The Department of Transportation is currently investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure consumer rights are upheld, as the airline continues to face significant flight cancellations following a global tech outage last week.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of fair treatment for all airline passengers, stating on social media, “All airline passengers have the right to be treated fairly, and I will make sure that right is upheld.” He mentioned that the department has received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the recent outages.
Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta, has struggled to return to normal operations after a problematic software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike on Thursday. This update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, disrupting access for many corporate users and causing various issues, including the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident impacted nearly every major industry, notably healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. Airlines faced the brunt of the disruption, with over 46,000 flights delayed and 5,171 canceled on Friday alone, according to FlightAware. Delta was particularly affected, canceling approximately 3,500 flights on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday and Monday, the airline canceled more than 2,500 flights and delayed another 3,441, with 738 additional cancellations or delays reported on Tuesday.
Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret for the cancellations, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He extended apologies to those adversely affected, reiterating Delta’s commitment to connecting the world and acknowledging the frustration caused by travel disruptions.
Bastian also mentioned that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows-based applications, including tools for crew tracking that struggled to adapt to the shutdown’s effects. In response to the situation, Delta has offered a travel waiver allowing customers to change flights for free, along with meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.