Delta Air Lines is currently under investigation by U.S. regulators regarding its handling of passengers affected by canceled and delayed flights following a global technology outage. The investigation was announced by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to ensure that the airline is complying with regulations and providing adequate care to its passengers during the ongoing disruptions.
Delta has faced significant challenges in its operations, with more than 400 flights canceled by midmorning on a recent Tuesday, representing a substantial portion of all flight cancellations in the United States. The airline has been grappling with the aftermath of a global technology outage that originated from a faulty software upgrade by cybersecurity company CrowdStrike to over 8 million Microsoft computers worldwide.
Since the onset of the outage, Delta has canceled over 7,000 flights, a figure significantly higher than any other airline. The carrier has attributed the disruptions to the impact on its IT systems, particularly those running on Microsoft Windows, including essential tools for scheduling pilots and flight attendants.
In response to the investigation, Delta has expressed its cooperation and dedication to resolving the situation. The airline emphasized its commitment to restoring reliable and on-time service for its customers, acknowledging the challenges faced by passengers due to delays and cancellations.
The Transportation Department initiated the investigation in light of Delta's ongoing flight disruptions and reports of customer service issues. The department aims to address concerns raised by consumers and ensure that Delta upholds its obligations to treat passengers fairly and provide adequate support during these challenging circumstances.
As the investigation progresses, the Transportation Department will continue to monitor the situation and assess the numerous consumer complaints received against Delta. The airline's efforts to rectify the disruptions and improve customer service will be closely scrutinized to safeguard the rights of all airline passengers.
