Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) CEO Ed Bastian apologized and offered frequent flyer miles to travelers for hundreds of flight cancellations as the carrier struggled to recover from Friday’s globe-spanning IT outage, disruptions that sparked criticism from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
The Atlanta-based airline canceled more than 4,600 flights from Friday through Sunday, more than any other airline, according to aviation data firm OAG.
As of early Monday, Delta had already canceled another 550 flights, or 15% of its mainline operation.
The delays and cancellations have put Delta in a rare spotlight for the carrier whose leaders pride themselves on reliability and punctuality.
“We continue to receive reports of unacceptable disruptions and customer service conditions at Delta Air Lines, including hundreds of complaints filed with our Department,” Buttigieg said in an emailed statement late Sunday. “I have made clear to Delta that we expect the airline to provide prompt refunds” to customers who chose to call off their trips because of the disruptions as well as “timely reimbursements for food and overnight hotel stays to consumers affected by the delays and cancellations, as well as adequate customer service assistance to all of their passengers.”
The disruptions have persisted at Delta while most other carriers have recovered. American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL) said it was almost back to normal by Saturday.
DAL shares shed $1.52, or 3.3%, to $43.93.
