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 fantastic on an airline for the prohibited scheduling follow.
USDOT mentioned on Friday that as a part of a consent settlement with the airline, JetBlue pays a $1 million fantastic and the rest will go to compensate clients affected by its power delays or any future disruptions inside the subsequent yr.
As a part of the settlement, JetBlue has agreed to supply vouchers price a minimal of $75 for passengers for future flight cancellations or delays of three hours or extra attributable to the airline inside the subsequent yr.
JetBlue, which didn’t instantly remark, advised 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 (provider, climate, nationwide airspace, safety) for any particular flight, JetBlue had satisfactory time to behave to keep away from the power delays,” USDOT mentioned.
The airline mentioned it spent tens of thousands and thousands of {dollars} to deal with points with air site visitors management particularly within the U.S. Northeast hall to as a lot as moderately doable to forestall any power delays.
USDOT mentioned there have been 395 delays and cancellations throughout 4 chronically delayed flights in complete, which meant U.S flights which might 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.
