Investigation Launched into Delta Airlines Disruptions

The U.S. Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into Delta Airlines following significant flight disruptions caused by a recent global IT outage. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the inquiry on social media, emphasizing that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment. Delta has faced challenges in resuming normal operations five days after a cybersecurity incident linked to CrowdStrike, which affected various sectors, including airlines and hospitals. On Tuesday, Delta Airlines canceled over 400 flights, the highest number among major airlines, according to FlightAware. In contrast, the next airline with the most cancellations reported only 55. The IT outage, which occurred last Friday, led to widespread flight cancellations across multiple airlines, although many have since managed to stabilize their services. Delta's situation remains critical as it works to restore its operations. In a statement, Delta Airlines expressed its commitment to cooperating with the investigation and highlighted the impact of the CrowdStrike incident on its IT systems. The airline noted that a faulty Windows update rendered many of its systems inoperable, necessitating manual repairs and reboots. Delta's teams are reportedly working diligently to address the delays and cancellations affecting their customers. Secretary Buttigieg has encouraged Delta passengers to share their experiences with the Department of Transportation, assuring them that the agency will follow up on the matter. The investigation underscores the importance of accountability in the airline industry, particularly in light of recent disruptions.