The technical issue stems from an update issued by the security company for systems that run on Microsoft Windows. CrowdstrikeCrowdStrike’s software is widely used by businesses to protect themselves against hackers. CrowdStrike said the issue that occurred on Friday only affected computers running the Windows operating system, not those running Apple or Linux operating systems.
Delta Air Lines, in particular, said it has received hundreds of complaints from the Department of Transportation citing “ongoing disruptions and unacceptable customer service conditions.” Social Media Posts Sunday from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
“I have made it clear to Delta that we will hold them to all applicable passenger protections,” Buttigieg said.
on sunday Blog PostDelta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said the outage affected critical tools related to crew tracking and that the airline was unable to effectively handle the “unprecedented” number of changes caused by the outage.
“Our team is working around the clock to restore and restore full function,” Bastian wrote.
Delta Air Lines has been hit harder than its rivals by the outages: The airline was forced to cancel 1,200 flights on Friday, while United Airlines canceled 649, American Airlines canceled 408 and Spirit Airlines canceled 234. In total, about 46,000 flights were canceled worldwide on Friday, according to FlightAware.
The staffing tool disruption has been compared to Southwest Airlines’ Christmas chaos in 2022, when the airline canceled or significantly delayed about 16,900 flights, disrupting the travel plans of 2 million people, according to a Department of Transportation investigation. In that case, a winter storm turned into a widespread staffing crisis after the airline’s system for matching crew members with aircraft was overwhelmed.
The authorities eventually Fine Southwest Loss of $140 million in crisis response.
Delta Air Lines said by late Monday morning that it had canceled 18% of its flights and delayed an additional 11%. The airline said it had contacted customers directly to apologize, along with SkyMiles program miles and travel vouchers. It also offered to cover certain expenses through meal vouchers, hotel vouchers and ground transportation. Additionally, the airline extended a travel waiver, allowing previously booked passengers to rebook flights at no charge.
The Department of Transportation stressed that Delta must inform customers that they are entitled to refunds if they cancel their trip.
On its website, Flightrights.gov, the DOT lists each airline’s customer service efforts in the event of “controllable” cancellations or delays.
