The Department of Transportation is currently examining Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is adequately addressing consumer needs amidst ongoing flight cancellations following a recent global technology glitch.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of passenger rights, stating, “All airline passengers have the right to be treated fairly, and I will make sure that right is upheld.” This announcement comes after the department received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the situation.
Delta, headquartered in Atlanta, has faced challenges in resuming normal operations after a flawed software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike last Thursday disrupted services worldwide. This update adversely affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users unable to access essential systems and resulting in issues like the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The fallout from the incident was extensive, impacting various industries, including healthcare, delivery, retail, and finance. Airlines experienced significant disruption, with over 46,000 flight delays and 5,171 cancellations reported on Friday alone, according to FlightAware, with Delta being particularly hard hit.
On Friday and Saturday, Delta canceled approximately 3,500 flights, and by Sunday and Monday, over 2,500 more cancellations had occurred, coupled with 3,441 delays. As of Tuesday, FlightAware reported 738 additional flight cancellations and delays.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly. I want to apologize to every one of you who have been impacted 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 noted that Delta relies on a significant number of applications using Microsoft Windows, including tools for tracking crew operations, which were affected by the system failure. In response, Delta has implemented a travel waiver that allows customers to change their flights without charge and is also providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.