Bugs in cybersecurity programs have caused major IT outages across a range of industries and continue to disrupt operations. Delta AirlinesThe airline has canceled thousands of flights and delayed thousands more since Friday.
While other affected airlines have largely recovered from the CrowdStrike outage that occurred on July 19, Delta’s more than 1,000 daily flights are still affected, prompting US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to announce a federal investigation into the airline’s handling of the crisis.
“The Department of Transportation has opened an investigation into Delta Airlines to ensure the airline is following the law and keeping customers safe amid ongoing widespread unrest,” Buttigieg said in a series of posts on the social media site X on July 23. “Every airline passenger has the right to be treated fairly, and I will work to ensure that right is protected.”
“While you should first resolve any issues directly with the airline, we also want to hear from customers who believe Delta has not complied with U.S. Department of Transportation-enforced passenger protection requirements during the recent travel disruptions,” Buttegeig continued. “No one should be forced to sleep on the floor of an airport or be left stranded with no customer service assistance.”
Delta Airlines CEO says flights will return to normal on Thursday
On July 24, Delta CEO Ed Bastian apologized to the airline’s customers and acknowledged that the company’s “initial efforts to stabilize operations have been difficult, frustratingly slow and complicated, but we have made good progress this week and the worst of the Crowdstrike disruption has clearly passed.”
“We expect delays and cancellations on Tuesday to be down 50 percent compared to Monday, with minimal cancellations on Wednesday,” Bastian wrote. “Thursday is expected to be a business-as-usual day, with airlines fully recovered and operating at traditional reliability levels.”
Bastian said Delta “remains committed to accommodating those whose flights may be affected and is offering vouchers and refunds for meals, hotel accommodations and ground transportation. As a token of our apologies, we are also offering Delta SkyMiles and travel vouchers to affected customers.”
Delta Air Lines has extended change waivers for canceled or delayed flights through July 26, meaning customers can rebook flights at no extra cost, regardless of the published fare difference.
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