The Department of Transportation is looking into Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is adequately addressing consumer concerns, as it continues to experience flight cancellations following a recent global technology failure.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized on social media that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment, and he is committed to protecting that right. He noted that his department has received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the situation.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced difficulties in restoring full operations after a problematic software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike disrupted businesses worldwide last week. This update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, causing issues for corporate users, including the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident had widespread implications across virtually all major industries, impacting healthcare providers, delivery services, retailers, and financial institutions. Airlines and airports were among the hardest hit, with over 46,000 flights delayed and more than 5,000 canceled on Friday alone, according to FlightAware, with Delta facing the majority of disruptions.
Delta reported the cancellation of around 3,500 flights over the weekend. Following that, the airline canceled over 2,500 additional flights on Sunday and Monday and delayed 3,441 others. As of Tuesday, 738 flights had already been canceled or delayed.
In a statement, Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the situation, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly. I want to apologize to everyone who has been impacted by these events. Delta is in the business of connecting the world, and we understand how difficult it can be when your travels are disrupted.”
Bastian explained that Delta relies on numerous applications that utilize Microsoft Windows, including a tool for crew tracking, which was unable to function following the system interruption. To assist affected customers, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing free flight changes, as well as providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.