The Department of Transportation is investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is prioritizing consumer care amidst ongoing flight cancellations that followed last week’s widespread tech outage.
A recent study has revealed that the pill version of Novo Nordisk’s drug Ozempic can lower the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of fair treatment for all airline passengers, stating on social media that he is committed to upholding these rights. He noted that his department has received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s handling of the tech issues.
Delta, headquartered in Atlanta, has faced considerable challenges in returning to regular operations following a problematic software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike that occurred last Thursday. This update malfunctioned, affecting Microsoft’s Windows operating systems and leaving corporate users with limited access to their systems, often facing the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident had a broad impact across various sectors, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance, but airlines and airports were particularly hard hit. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed, and an additional 5,171 were canceled, according to FlightAware, with Delta experiencing the most significant disruptions.
Delta Airlines reported canceling approximately 3,500 flights on Friday and Saturday. FlightAware recorded cancellations exceeding 2,500 on Sunday and Monday, along with 3,441 delays. On Tuesday, the airline experienced 738 flight cancellations or delays.
Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, expressed regret for the situation, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He acknowledged the challenges faced by travelers due to these disruptions. Bastian also highlighted that Delta relies on a significant number of Microsoft Windows applications, including tools for tracking crew operations that were affected by the system issues. In response to the disruptions, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to modify their flights without charge, in addition to providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transport assistance.