The Department of Transportation is currently investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is adequately addressing consumer concerns as it continues to cancel flights following a global tech outage that occurred last week.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the rights of airline passengers, stating, “All airline passengers have the right to be treated fairly, and I will make sure that right is upheld.” He also mentioned that the department had received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the tech issues.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced challenges in resuming its operations after a problematic software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike on Thursday adversely affected businesses worldwide. The defect in the planned update altered Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving corporate users, including Delta, to deal with significant disruptions, including the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The tech incident impacted numerous industries, including healthcare, retail, and finance, with airlines and airports experiencing particularly severe effects. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed and more than 5,171 flights were canceled, as reported by FlightAware, with Delta being the most affected airline.
Delta confirmed the cancellation of about 3,500 flights during Friday and Saturday. The airline also canceled over 2,500 flights on Sunday and Monday, delaying an additional 3,441 flights. By Tuesday, 738 flights had already been canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian issued an apology to those affected, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He acknowledged the challenges faced by travelers due to the disruptions, affirming Delta’s commitment to connecting the world.
Bastian noted that Delta relies on a significant number of applications utilizing Microsoft Windows, including a crucial tool for crew tracking that was unable to adjust to the shutdown. In response to the disruptions, Delta has provided a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights without charge, alongside offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.