The US Department of Transportation has fined JetBlue Airways $2 million for “chronically delayed flights” on four routes. The airline was responsible for more than 70% of the disruptions, which occurred at least 145 times between June 2022 and November 2023. The DOT considers a flight chronically delayed if it arrives over 30 minutes late more than half the time.
The fine is the first of its kind, according to the DOT. JetBlue has taken steps to improve its on-time rate, ranking ninth out of 10 US airlines in on-time arrivals with 71.3% of flights arriving on time from January to September 2024.
However, the airline still urges the government to take action to address air traffic control issues. “We believe accountability for reliable air travel equally lies with the U.S. government,” JetBlue said in a statement. The DOT credits JetBlue $1 million of the fine for passenger compensation and will provide vouchers to affected passengers at least $75.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated, “Today’s action puts the entire airline industry on notice that we expect their flight schedules to reflect reality.” The DOT has ongoing investigations into other airlines with unrealistic flight schedules.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/03/dot-fines-jetblue-chronically-delayed-flights.html