The Department of Transportation is examining Delta Air Lines to ensure the company is meeting consumer needs, following a series of flight cancellations stemming from a global tech outage last week.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg reiterated the importance of fair treatment for all airline passengers, stating on social media, “I will make sure that right is upheld.” He noted that his department has received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the service disruptions caused by these outages.
Delta, headquartered in Atlanta, has faced challenges in fully resuming its flight operations after a faulty software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike last Thursday affected various businesses globally. This update caused issues with Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leading many corporate users to experience significant disruptions, including the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The outage impacted nearly every major sector, with healthcare providers, delivery services, retailers, and financial institutions among those affected. Airlines and airports experienced severe consequences; on Friday alone, there were over 46,000 flight delays and 5,171 cancellations, according to FlightAware, with Delta being particularly hard hit.
The airline canceled approximately 3,500 flights on Friday and Saturday, cancelling more than 2,500 more on Sunday and Monday, in addition to delaying 3,441 flights. As of Tuesday, Delta reported 738 more cancellations or delays.
Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, expressed regret over the cancellations, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He apologized to affected customers and emphasized Delta’s commitment to connecting people globally, acknowledging the frustration caused by disrupted travel.
Bastian mentioned that Delta relies on a variety of Microsoft Windows applications, including tools for crew tracking, which were unable to manage changes due to the system failure. To assist inconvenienced customers, Delta has introduced a travel waiver allowing free flight changes, as well as providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.