JetBlue fined $2 million by DOT for 'chronically delayed flights'

Core Summary - The Department of Transportation (DOT) fined JetBlue Airways $2 million for chronically delayed flights, marking the first penalty of its kind [2] - JetBlue operated four routes that were delayed at least 145 times between June 2022 and November 2023, with more than 70% of disruptions attributed to the airline [3][4] - The DOT considers a flight chronically delayed if it arrives more than 30 minutes late more than half the time and is flown at least 10 times a month [5] - JetBlue ranked ninth out of 10 U S airlines in on-time arrivals from January through September 2024, with 71 3% of flights arriving on time, an improvement from 64 9% in the year-earlier period [7] - The DOT will credit JetBlue $1 million of the fine for goodwill compensation already paid to passengers and for future compensation within a year of the order [8] JetBlue's Response - JetBlue stated that accountability for reliable air travel also lies with the U S government, which operates the air traffic control system [6] - The airline urged the incoming administration to prioritize modernizing outdated ATC technology and addressing chronic air traffic controller staffing shortages [6] Industry Context - The DOT has ongoing investigations into other airlines for unrealistic flight schedules [5] - JetBlue operates in some of the world's most congested airspace, based in New York [7]