The Department of Transportation is currently looking into Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is adequately addressing consumer concerns following a series of flight cancellations linked to a recent global technology outage.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized passengers’ rights, stating on social media, “All airline passengers have the right to be treated fairly, and I will make sure that right is upheld.” He also noted that his department had received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the situation.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced challenges in reinstating its operations after a software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike went awry late last week, affecting businesses worldwide. A flaw in this update disrupted Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, preventing corporate users from accessing their systems, and in some instances, resulted in the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident had widespread repercussions across various industries, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance, with airlines and airports experiencing significant impacts. On one particular day, over 46,000 flights were delayed and more than 5,171 were canceled, according to FlightAware, with Delta bearing the brunt of the disruption.
Delta announced it canceled approximately 3,500 flights over the weekend, with over 2,500 more cancellations on Sunday and Monday, in addition to 3,441 delays. By Tuesday, FlightAware reported another 738 flights had either been canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret for the turmoil, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly. I want to apologize to every one of you who have 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 a considerable number of Delta’s applications rely on Microsoft Windows, including a tool for crew tracking that was unable to adjust due to the system disruptions. In response, Delta has implemented a travel waiver, offering customers the opportunity to change their flights without extra charges, as well as providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation services.