American Airlines Fined Record $50 Million for Disability Violations

The U.S. Transportation Department has fined American Airlines a record $50 million for mishandling disabled passengers and wheelchairs. The fine, significantly larger than previous penalties, aims to change industry behavior. American Airlines plans to invest $175 million to improve services for passengers using mobility devices.

The U.S. Transportation Department announced on Wednesday a record $50 million fine against American Airlines for mishandling disabled passengers, notably in providing inadequate assistance and mishandling wheelchairs.

This penalty, the largest of its kind, marks a significant shift in enforcement standards for airlines, signaling what Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg describes as the end of tolerating subpar treatment of passengers with disabilities.

The department's investigation uncovered numerous failures, including unsafe assistance to wheelchair users and extensive delays in wheelchair returns, leading American to implement corrective measures totaling $175 million in service improvements.

(With inputs from agencies.)