DOT Penalises JetBlue For Chronic Flight Delays

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined JetBlue Airways USD 2 million for operating multiple chronically delayed flights.

The DOT defined such flights as delayed over 30 minutes more than half the time for at least four consecutive months. Between June 2022 and November 2023, JetBlue operated four flights delayed 145 times, with 395 delays and cancellations recorded. Half of the penalty will go to the U.S. Treasury, and the other half will compensate affected passengers. JetBlue attributed delays to air traffic control issues but acknowledged the settlement. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasised the importance of realistic scheduling to ensure fair competition and passenger rights. The DOT is investigating similar practices across other airlines.