The Department of Transportation is conducting an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure consumer rights are being upheld amid the airline’s ongoing flight cancellations following a global tech outage last week.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated on social media that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment, and he vowed to maintain these rights. He noted that his department has received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the situation.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced challenges in returning to normal operations after a flawed software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike affected companies worldwide. This update also caused issues with Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users unable to access their systems, some even confronted with the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The outage impacted nearly every major industry, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. However, airlines and airports experienced particularly severe effects. On Friday alone, more than 46,000 flights were delayed, and over 5,000 were canceled, according to FlightAware, with Delta being the hardest hit.
Delta reported approximately 3,500 flight cancellations over Friday and Saturday, with more than 2,500 additional cancellations on Sunday and Monday, along with 3,441 delays. As of Tuesday, the airline faced further disruptions, with 738 flights canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret for the challenges posed to travelers, emphasizing that canceling flights is a last resort. He acknowledged the difficulty disruptions create for travelers, stating, “Delta is in the business of connecting the world.”
Bastian explained that Delta relies on a significant number of applications that require Microsoft Windows, including a tool for tracking crew operations that was unable to adapt to the system disruptions. To assist affected customers, Delta has introduced a travel waiver allowing free flight changes and is offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.