The Department of Transportation is looking into Delta Air Lines to ensure that it is treating customers fairly after the airline has continued to cancel flights following a global tech outage last week.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg stated on social media that all airline passengers are entitled to fair treatment, and he will ensure that this right is upheld. He noted that the department had received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the tech disruptions.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced difficulties in fully resuming operations following a problematic software update from the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike that occurred late Thursday. This update negatively affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, causing many corporate users to lose access to their systems and, in some cases, encounter the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident severely impacted multiple industries, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance, but it was particularly damaging to airlines and airports. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed, and an additional 5,171 flights were canceled, according to FlightAware, with Delta being the most affected.
Delta canceled approximately 3,500 flights across its network on Friday and Saturday. FlightAware reported that the airline scrapped more than 2,500 flights on Sunday and Monday, while also delaying 3,441 flights. As of Tuesday, 738 flights have experienced cancellations or delays.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret for the disruptions, stating that canceling flights is always a last resort. He emphasized the company’s commitment to connecting the world and recognized the challenges that arise when travel plans are upset. Bastian explained that Delta relies on numerous applications that utilize Microsoft Windows, including tools vital for crew tracking that struggled to adapt to the system shutdown. To assist affected customers, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing free flight changes and is providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.