US hits JetBlue with $2M penalty over chronic flight delays

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The U.S. Transportation Department (USDOT) has fined JetBlue Airways $2 million for operating four flights with chronic delays on domestic routes, marking the first time such a fine has been imposed on an airline for this prohibited scheduling practice. On Friday, the department announced that as part of a consent agreement, JetBlue will pay $1 million of the fine, while the remaining amount will be used to compensate passengers affected by the airline's chronic delays or any future disruptions within the next year.

Additionally, JetBlue has agreed to provide vouchers worth at least $75 to passengers for future cancellations or delays of three hours or more caused by the airline within the next 12 months. USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized that the action signals to the airline industry that flight schedules must reflect realistic expectations and ensure reliable service.

While JetBlue did not admit liability, the airline expressed its commitment to timely arrivals and acknowledged the importance of on-time performance for its customers. The airline also criticized USDOT for what it described as a persistent lack of sufficient air traffic control staffing. JetBlue argued that accountability for reliable air travel should also lie with the U.S. government, which manages the nation’s air traffic control system.

USDOT outlined that JetBlue had operated chronically delayed flights between New York and Raleigh-Durham, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, as well as a route between Fort Lauderdale and Windsor Locks, Connecticut, during 2022 and 2023. Despite the various factors contributing to these delays, including weather and airspace issues, USDOT noted that JetBlue had adequate time to act and avoid the chronic delays.

In response, JetBlue said it had invested tens of millions of dollars in improving air traffic control, especially in the U.S. Northeast corridor, to prevent such disruptions. The airline also reported significant improvements in reducing travel disruptions over the past year.

USDOT identified 395 delays and cancellations involving the four chronically delayed flights, which are defined as flights that are either cancelled or arrive more than 30 minutes late over 50% of the time within a month. The department estimated that JetBlue was responsible for over 70% of the disruptions for these flights.

This comes after USDOT sought public feedback on whether airlines should be required to provide cash compensation for lengthy delays or cancellations caused by the airline. In a similar case, Southwest Airlines agreed to a settlement with USDOT in December 2023, providing $90 million in travel vouchers to passengers who experienced delays of three hours or more due to airline-caused issues.