The Department of Transportation is currently looking into Delta Air Lines to ensure that it is addressing consumer concerns following significant flight cancellations caused by a recent global tech outage.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the rights of airline passengers, stating on social media, “All airline passengers have the right to be treated fairly, and I will make sure that right is upheld.” He noted that the department has received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s handling of the situation.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced challenges in restoring operations after a flawed software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike last Thursday affected various businesses worldwide. This update included a defect that impacted Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving users unable to access their systems and, in some incidents, encountering the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The outage had widespread repercussions across numerous industries, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. However, the airline industry was particularly hard hit, with more than 46,000 flights delayed and over 5,171 canceled on just one day, Friday, according to FlightAware. Delta experienced the most significant disruptions.
Delta reported approximately 3,500 flight cancellations on Friday and Saturday, followed by over 2,500 cancellations and 3,441 delays on Sunday and Monday. On Tuesday alone, 738 flights were canceled or delayed.
In response, Delta CEO Ed Bastian stated on Sunday, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly. I want to apologize to everyone who has been affected 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 substantial number of Delta’s applications rely on Microsoft Windows, including a tool for crew tracking that was unable to adapt due to the system failure. To assist affected customers, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing free flight changes and is providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.