US senators quiz airlines on IT systems after Delta disruption

Normal operations soon: Delta Air Lines Inc, the No. 2 U.S. airline by passenger traffic, forecast a return to normal operations later this afternoon. — Reuters

WASHINGTON: Two US senators on Aug 16 sent letters to 13 major airlines expressing concerns that their information technology systems are vulnerable to outages that can strand thousands of passengers similar to recent flight cancellations. 

Senators Richard Blumenthal and Edward Markey sent letters after Southwest Airlines Co and Delta Air Lines Inc experienced technology issues that resulted in thousands of flight cancellations across the country. They want details on "specific safeguards and backups" to prevent airline IT systems from failing.