The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a $2 million fine against JetBlue on Friday for operating chronically delayed flights, marking the first time the agency has penalized an airline for such delays on specific routes. The DOT criticized the airline for using “unrealistic” scheduling practices, which it said contributed to frequent delays.
“Chronic delays are illegal and make travel unreliable for passengers. Today’s action sends a strong message to the airline industry that flight schedules must reflect realistic expectations,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated.
The DOT defines “chronic delays” as flights that are late by more than 30 minutes on more than 50% of occasions, occurring at least 10 times a month. An investigation into JetBlue revealed that four of its flights were chronically delayed more than 145 times between June 2022 and November 2023. These delays lasted for at least five consecutive months.
Despite prior warnings about delays on its routes between Kennedy International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport, JetBlue continued to operate multiple flights with significant delays. The DOT’s report highlighted further delays on flights from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando, JFK to Fort Lauderdale, and Fort Lauderdale to Windsor Locks, Connecticut. In total, there were 395 delays and cancellations across these routes.
The DOT emphasized that JetBlue had ample opportunity to prevent the delays, regardless of the cause, whether weather, security, or other factors.
In response, JetBlue spokesperson Derek Dombrowski stated that the airline had invested “tens of millions of dollars” to reduce delays, and that this effort had already improved its on-time performance for 2024, including during the busy summer season.
This fine comes amid a challenging year for JetBlue, which has faced several setbacks. In March, the airline’s $3.8 billion attempt to acquire Spirit Airlines was blocked by a U.S. District Court. Last month, JetBlue announced plans to cut less profitable routes, including flights from New York to Miami and Houston.
Recently, JetBlue passengers reported a frustrating experience when their flight to Boston was delayed by nearly 24 hours, with many claiming they were treated poorly, describing being “kicked to the street like dogs.”
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