The Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure that consumer rights are being upheld following a series of flight cancellations stemming from a recent global tech outage.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized on social media that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting these rights. He noted that his department has received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the situation.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced significant operational challenges after a flawed software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike last Thursday affected businesses worldwide. This update negatively impacted Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leading to access issues for corporate users and, in some cases, resulting in the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident reverberated across various sectors, severely disrupting healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. Airlines and airports were particularly hard-hit, with over 46,000 flights delayed and more than 5,171 canceled just on Friday, as reported by FlightAware, with Delta experiencing the most significant impacts.
In total, Delta canceled about 3,500 flights on Friday and Saturday, followed by over 2,500 cancellations and 3,441 delays on Sunday and Monday. On Tuesday alone, 738 flights were reported as canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the cancellations, stating that they are always a last resort and apologizing to those affected. Highlighting the reliance on Microsoft Windows, he mentioned that a crucial crew tracking tool was unable to process changes due to the system outage. To assist impacted customers, Delta is offering travel waivers, allowing free flight changes, alongside meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.