US launches investigation into Delta after global tech collapse leads to massive cancellations

MATT OTT, Associated Press

26 mins ago

U.S. airlines have launched an investigation into Delta Air Lines, which was still struggling to resume operations on Tuesday, more than four days after a faulty software update caused technical chaos around the world and disrupted global air travel.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the investigation into Delta on Tuesday on social media platform X “to ensure that the airline is following the law and taking care of its passengers during the ongoing widespread disruptions.”

“All airline passengers have the right to fair treatment and I will ensure that this right is upheld,” Buttigieg added.

As of Tuesday morning, Delta had a disproportionately high share of canceled flights. Of the 654 total cancellations of flights within, to or from the U.S., Delta had 440, according to data released by FlightAware at 10:05 a.m. Eastern Time. United Airlines was the next U.S. carrier with 41 cancellations, followed by American Airlines with 33.

Delta also had more delayed flights than any other U.S. airline, with 481 flights, but the gap was not as wide: American had 373 flight delays.

Delta did not immediately respond to a request for comment early Tuesday.

In a message to travelers posted on Delta’s website on Monday, the airline said its crews were fully staffed, but that a critical operating system that ensures all flights are fully staffed “is extremely complex and requires the greatest amount of time and manual effort to synchronize.”

Buttigieg spoke with Delta CEO Ed Bastian on Sunday about the airline’s high number of cancellations. The Transportation Department said its top officials reminded Delta of the airline’s obligation to refund passengers whose flights were canceled and who do not wish to be rebooked on a later flight.