The Department of Transportation is conducting an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure consumer rights are upheld as the airline continues to cancel flights following a significant global tech outage.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized on social media that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment, highlighting that his department has received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s response to the recent disruptions.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has been struggling to get back to normal operations after a flawed software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike last Thursday affected various industries worldwide. This defect impacted Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leading to severe access issues for corporate users, with some encountering the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The tech incident disrupted nearly every major sector, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. Airlines and airports faced particularly extensive issues, with over 46,000 flight delays and 5,171 cancellations reported on Friday alone, according to FlightAware, with Delta being one of the most affected airlines.
Delta reported cancelling approximately 3,500 flights over Friday and Saturday. By Sunday and Monday, the airline had cancelled an additional 2,500 flights while also delaying another 3,441. On Tuesday alone, 738 flights were either cancelled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret for the disruptions, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly. I apologize to everyone who has been affected by these events. Delta is in the business of connecting the world, and we understand how challenging it can be when travel plans are disrupted.”
Bastian noted that a large number of Delta’s applications rely on Microsoft Windows, including a crucial tool for tracking crew operations that failed due to the system issues. To assist affected customers, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing free flight changes, alongside meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.