By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Transportation Division has imposed a $2 million penalty on JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ:) for working 4 chronically delayed flights on home routes – the primary time it has imposed such a tremendous on an airline for the prohibited scheduling follow.
USDOT mentioned on Friday that as a part of a consent settlement with the airline, JetBlue can pay a $1 million tremendous and the rest will go to compensate prospects affected by its power delays or any future disruptions inside the subsequent 12 months.
As a part of the settlement, JetBlue has agreed to supply vouchers value a minimal of $75 for passengers for future flight cancellations or delays of three hours or extra brought on by the airline inside the subsequent 12 months.
JetBlue, which didn’t instantly remark, instructed USDOT it didn’t admit legal responsibility however agreed to settle to keep away from the expense and uncertainty of litigation.
USDOT mentioned at numerous factors in 2022 and 2023 JetBlue operated chronically delayed flights between New York and Raleigh-Durham, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando together with a flight between Fort Lauderdale and Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
“No matter the reason for the delay (service, climate, nationwide airspace, safety) for any particular flight, JetBlue had ample time to behave to keep away from the power delays,” USDOT mentioned.
The airline mentioned it spent tens of tens of millions of {dollars} to deal with points with air visitors management particularly within the U.S. Northeast hall to as a lot as fairly attainable to forestall any power delays.
USDOT mentioned there have been 395 delays and cancellations throughout 4 chronically delayed flights in whole, which meant U.S flights which can be canceled or arrive greater than half-hour late greater than 50% of the time over a month.
USDOT estimates JetBlue was answerable for over 70% of the disruptions for the 4 chronically delayed flights.