DOT fines JetBlue $2 million for chronically delayed flights, responsible for over 70% of disruptions

From CNBC: 2025-01-03 09:18:40

The Department of Transportation fined JetBlue Airways $2 million for chronically delayed flights on four routes from June 2022 to November 2023. This marked the first penalty of its kind, with JetBlue responsible for over 70% of disruptions. The DOT considers flights chronically delayed if they arrive over 30 minutes late more than half the time.

JetBlue failed to adjust flight times to avoid unrealistic scheduling, leading to delays. The DOT has ongoing investigations into other airlines for the same issue. JetBlue called for the government to improve air traffic controller staffing and modernize the system. The airline ranked ninth out of 10 U.S. airlines in on-time arrivals from January to September 2024.

The DOT will credit JetBlue $1 million of the fine for goodwill compensation to passengers and future compensation with vouchers. The airline urged the incoming administration to prioritize modernizing outdated ATC technology and addressing chronic air traffic controller staffing shortages to reduce delays affecting millions of travelers annually.



Read more at CNBC: DOT fines JetBlue for ‘chronically delayed flights’