Delta Faces Federal Investigation Amid Massive Flight Cancellations

Delta Air Lines is facing a federal investigation following a global technology outage that led to the cancellation of over 7,000 flights. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) launched the probe after a faulty software update by cybersecurity company CrowdStrike disrupted Microsoft systems worldwide, affecting Delta’s operations severely. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated the investigation aims to ensure Delta complies with passenger rights and provides adequate care during these disruptions.

The outage began late Thursday night and has left Delta struggling to recover. As of Tuesday morning, Delta had canceled more than 400 flights, accounting for about two-thirds of all cancellations in the U.S. The airline acknowledged the impact of the CrowdStrike update, stating, “We remain entirely focused on restoring our operation after cybersecurity vendor CrowdStrike’s faulty Windows update rendered IT systems across the globe inoperable.”

Travelers have been frustrated by the extended delays and cancellations, being stranded at airports across the country.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian mentioned that it would take a few more days before the situation stabilizes. Meanwhile, the airline’s crew-tracking software, crucial for scheduling pilots and flight attendants, was unable to process the high volume of changes triggered by the outage. This issue has contributed significantly to Delta’s continued operational struggles.

The DOT’s investigation also scrutinizes Delta’s customer service response. “The department is investigating Delta Air Lines following continued widespread flight disruptions and reports of concerning customer service failures,” the DOT said in a statement. Secretary Buttigieg emphasized that passengers should not be stranded or face long waits to speak with customer service agents and promised to enforce consumer protection rules.

Regulators and lawmakers are also calling for accountability from CrowdStrike. U.S. House leaders have requested CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz to testify before Congress about the company’s role in the outage. This incident has intensified the focus on cybersecurity and the need for robust contingency plans in the aviation industry.

Delta’s response to the outage has drawn significant criticism compared to other airlines that have managed to recover more swiftly. The investigation and its outcomes will likely influence how airlines and their tech partners handle cybersecurity issues and passenger care in the future.