The U.S. Department of Transportation has opened an investigation into Delta Airlines over recent flight disruptions, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on Tuesday in a post on X.
“All airline passengers have the right to be treated fairly, and I will make sure that right is upheld,” Buttigieg said.
The airline is struggling to resume normal service five days after a global IT outage at cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. Delta canceled more than 400 flights on Tuesday morning, according to flight tracking site FlightAware. The airline with the second-most cancellations on Tuesday has nixed only 55 flights, FlightAware says.
The outage at CrowdStrike on Friday hindered services at airlines and hospitals in the U.S., banks in Europe and a media company in Canada.
Thousands of flights were cancelled across a host of airlines on Friday, but many companies have limited disruptions over the days since.
Buttigieg requested that Delta passengers share information with the Department of Transportation.
“While you should first try to resolve issues directly with the airline, we want to hear from passengers who believe that Delta has not complied with USDOT-enforced passenger protection requirements during the recent travel disruptions,” Buttigieg said.
“We will follow up,” he added.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Ayesha Ali contributed to this report.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has recently opened an investigation into Delta Airlines for a series of flight disruptions that have left passengers stranded and frustrated. The investigation comes after numerous complaints from passengers about canceled flights, long delays, and poor communication from the airline.
Delta Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the United States, has faced a number of challenges in recent months, including severe weather, technical issues, and staffing shortages. These issues have led to a significant number of flight cancellations and delays, leaving passengers stranded at airports across the country.
The DOT’s investigation will focus on whether Delta Airlines has violated any consumer protection regulations, including rules regarding compensation for passengers affected by flight disruptions. The investigation will also look into whether the airline has adequately communicated with passengers about the reasons for the disruptions and their rights under federal regulations.
In a statement, DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of holding airlines accountable for providing reliable and transparent service to passengers. “When airlines fail to meet their obligations to passengers, it not only causes inconvenience and frustration, but it can also have serious consequences for travelers,” Buttigieg said.
Delta Airlines has acknowledged the challenges it has faced in recent months and has pledged to work with the DOT to address any concerns raised by the investigation. In a statement, the airline said it is committed to providing excellent service to its customers and will take any necessary steps to improve its operations and customer communication.
Passengers who have been affected by Delta Airlines’ flight disruptions are encouraged to file complaints with the DOT through its website or hotline. The DOT will review these complaints as part of its investigation and will take appropriate action if any violations are found.
Overall, the investigation into Delta Airlines by the DOT highlights the importance of holding airlines accountable for providing reliable and transparent service to passengers. As air travel continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that airlines prioritize the needs and rights of their customers to ensure a positive travel experience for all.
