JetBlue Airways has been hit with a $2 million penalty by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for operating chronically delayed flights on several routes during 2022 and 2023. This marks the first time the DOT has imposed such a fine on an airline for unrealistic scheduling practices.
The DOT’s investigation revealed that JetBlue operated four flights that were chronically delayed for more than five consecutive months. These flights included routes between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Raleigh-Durham, N.C., as well as between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Fla., and JFK, and between Fort Lauderdale, and Windsor Locks, Conn. According to the DOT, these flights were delayed more than 50% of the time, arriving over 30 minutes late on at least 10 occasions each month.
The penalty includes $1 million in compensation for passengers who were affected by these delays. This compensation aims to address the inconvenience and disruption caused to travelers’ plans. The DOT emphasized that unrealistic scheduling is an unfair and deceptive practice that not only disrupts passengers’ travel plans but also undermines fair competition in the airline industry.
JetBlue acknowledged the settlement but pointed to broader issues within the air traffic control system as contributing factors to the delays. The airline stated that it has invested significantly in improving its on-time performance, particularly in its largest markets in the Northeast and Florida. JetBlue also called for modernization of the air traffic control system to address ongoing challenges.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the importance of realistic scheduling, stating that the DOT expects airlines to provide schedules that reflect actual departure and arrival times. He warned that the department would continue to enforce regulations against airlines that engage in chronic delays or unrealistic scheduling practices.
This penalty serves as a warning to the airline industry that the DOT is serious about ensuring reliable and fair air travel for passengers. The department has ongoing investigations into other airlines for similar practices, signaling a broader crackdown on unrealistic scheduling.
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