In a landmark decision, the U.S. Department of Transportation has imposed a $2 million penalty on JetBlue Airways for recurrent flight delays on several East Coast routes. This unprecedented fine, announced on Friday, will see half of the amount allocated to passengers affected by these delays.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of reliable air travel, stating, “Illegal chronic flight delays make flying unreliable for travelers. Today’s action puts the entire airline industry on notice that we expect their flight schedules to reflect reality.”
The fine stems from JetBlue’s ongoing issues with flight delays due to what the agency describes as “unrealistic scheduling.” The Department of Transportation defines chronic delays as flights that are late over 30 minutes more than half the time for at least ten instances in a month.
The routes in question include flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, as well as frequent delays on routes between JFK and Florida destinations, including Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, and from Windsor Locks, Connecticut to Fort Lauderdale.
In response, JetBlue spokesperson Derek Dombrowski pointed to air traffic control challenges and stated that the airline has invested significantly to improve on-time performance, particularly during peak travel seasons. He also highlighted the need for modernization in the air traffic control system, asserting that accountability for delays should be shared with the U.S. government.
This fine signals a shift in regulatory enforcement within the airline industry, as the Transportation Department seeks to ensure that airlines provide accurate scheduling and reliable service to travelers.
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