JetBlue Fined $2 Million for Chronic Delays in Landmark USDOT Decision

The U.S. Transportation Department fined JetBlue Airways $2 million for operating four chronically delayed flights on domestic routes. Under a consent agreement, JetBlue will pay $1 million in fines and allocate the remainder to compensate affected customers. The airline has also agreed to provide vouchers for future delays.

The U.S. Transportation Department has imposed a landmark $2 million penalty on JetBlue Airways, citing the airline for operating four chronically delayed flights. This fine marks the first time the department has penalized an airline for such scheduling practices.

As part of a consent agreement, JetBlue will pay a $1 million fine, with the remainder allocated to compensate customers impacted by chronic delays or future disruptions. Additionally, JetBlue has agreed to offer vouchers for passengers experiencing delays of over three hours due to the airline's actions in the next year.

USDOT highlighted several instances in 2022 and 2023 when JetBlue operated delayed flights on routes between New York and Raleigh-Durham, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Windsor Locks. Despite JetBlue's investment in addressing air traffic control issues, USDOT found that the airline could have taken adequate measures to prevent these delays.

(With inputs from agencies.)