Delta must face the demand for passengers on a massive computers interruption

Of Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) -Delta Air Lines must cope with a class action proposed by passengers who said he refused to offer complete returns after delaying or canceling their flights after a massive computer interruption last July, ruled a federal judge on Tuesday.

The Judge of the North -American District, Mark Cohen, in Atlanta, said that five of the nine plaintiffs could violate the claims of contracts based on the failure of the return of the delta.

The judge allowed a group different from five claimants to pursue claims related to delayed and canceled flights under the Mont -Real Convention, a multilateral treaty.

Cohen dismissed the remaining claims, including those that he said were prevented by federal law.

The stoppage of July 19, 2024 led to a defective software update from the Crowdstrike cybersecurity company, which crashed more than 8 million computers and affected many Microsoft clients.

The interruptions increased the next day for many Air Companies in the United States, but lasted longer in Delta, which canceled about 7,000 flights.

“This ruling is a great step forward for Delta passengers seeking responsibilities,” said Joseph Sauder, a lawyer for some of the plaintiffs, in an email.

Neither Delta nor his lawyers responded immediately to comments applications.

The carrier based in Atlanta had requested the removal of all claims, apart from the refund claim and the claims of international passengers under the Montreal Convention.

Passengers accused Delta of not providing automatic returns after interruption and providing partial returns only if they resign more legal claims.

A plaintiff, John Brennan, from Florida, said that he and his wife lost a $ 10,000 birthday cruise after Delta dropped them into a Atlanta provision, although the carrier offered only $ 219.45 in compensation.

Another plaintiff, Vittorio Muzzi, from the Netherlands, said he spent 5,000 euros ($ 5,685) and that his luggage delayed 15 days after Delta searched the flight to Florida from Amsterdam, although the carrier offered only 588 euros ($ 669) in compensation.

Delta has estimated that the interruption cost $ 550 million in lost income and added costs, while saving $ 50 million.

The case is Bajra et against Delta Air Lines, United States District Court, North District of Georgia, no. 24-03477.

(1 euro = $ 1,137)

(Jonathan Sumpel Report in New Yorkediting by Bill Berkrot)