The Department of Transportation is currently investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure consumer protection in light of the company’s ongoing flight cancellations following a recent global technology outage.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment, pledging to uphold this right. He mentioned that the department has received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the situation.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced challenges in restoring normal operations after a problematic software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike disrupted businesses worldwide. This update contained a defect that affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, causing significant access issues for corporate users, some of whom encountered critical system errors.
The outage impacted nearly every major industry, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. However, airlines and airports were particularly hard hit, with over 46,000 flight delays and more than 5,171 cancellations reported by FlightAware on the day following the incident. Delta Airlines experienced the most significant disruptions.
The airline canceled approximately 3,500 flights on Friday and Saturday. Over the weekend and into Monday, Delta canceled an additional 2,500 flights and delayed 3,441 others. On Tuesday alone, they recorded 738 flight cancellations or delays.
Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, expressed regret over the situation, stating that canceling flights is a last resort for the company. He extended apologies to all passengers affected by these disruptions, reiterating Delta’s commitment to connecting people across the globe.
Bastian noted that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows for various operational applications, including a tool for crew tracking that was disrupted due to the software issue. To assist customers, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing them to modify their flights at no cost, along with offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.