The Department of Transportation is currently investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure consumer protection amid ongoing flight cancellations triggered by a recent global tech outage.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized on social media that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment, pledging to uphold this right. His department has reportedly received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the situation following the tech failures.
Delta, which is based in Atlanta, has faced challenges in restoring its operations after a problematic software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike negatively impacted businesses worldwide. The faulty update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leading to significant disruptions across various sectors, including healthcare, retail, and finance, but airlines were particularly hard hit. On Friday alone, more than 46,000 flights were delayed and over 5,171 were canceled, with Delta bearing the brunt of the impact.
Over the course of Friday and Saturday, Delta canceled approximately 3,500 flights. The airline also canceled more than 2,500 flights and delayed an additional 3,441 from Sunday to Monday. As of Tuesday, 738 flights have already been recorded as canceled or delayed.
Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian stated that canceling flights is a last resort and expressed his regret to all affected passengers. He reaffirmed Delta’s commitment to connecting people and acknowledged the challenges posed by travel disruptions. Bastian mentioned that the airline utilizes numerous applications reliant on Microsoft Windows, including tools essential for crew tracking that were impacted by the outage. Delta has since implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change flights without cost, as well as offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation assistance.