The Department of Transportation is currently looking into Delta Air Lines amid ongoing flight cancellations following a global tech outage last week. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of passenger rights, stating on social media that all airline travelers deserve fair treatment, and he is committed to ensuring these rights are upheld. This follows reports of “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the situation.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced difficulties in fully resuming its operations after a problematic software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike significantly affected businesses worldwide. This update led to issues with Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users without access and some even encountering the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The outage disrupted nearly every major industry, with healthcare providers, delivery services, retailers, and financial institutions all feeling the impact. Airlines were among the hardest hit, with over 46,000 flight delays and 5,171 cancellations reported on Friday alone, according to FlightAware, with Delta experiencing the most severe disruptions.
Over the weekend, Delta canceled approximately 3,500 flights, with more than 2,500 cancellations on Sunday and Monday, as well as 3,441 delays. By Tuesday, another 738 flights had been either canceled or delayed.
Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, addressed the situation in a statement, expressing regret for those affected by the cancellations. He stated that canceling flights is a measure taken only as a last resort. Bastian noted that Delta relies on numerous applications that utilize Microsoft Windows, including a vital crew tracking tool that failed to process due to the system’s shutdown. To assist customers, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing free flight changes and is offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.