The Department of Transportation (DOT) fined JetBlue Airways $2 million for chronically delayed flights, marking the first penalty of its kind.

From June 2022 to November 2023, JetBlue’s flights on four routes were delayed at least 145 times.

The airline was responsible for over 70% of these disruptions.

DOT officials stated that JetBlue failed to adjust flight schedules to avoid unrealistic timings, with delays over 30 minutes more than half the time.

JetBlue responded, blaming staffing and outdated air traffic control systems, and emphasized the need for government action, CNBC has reported.

The DOT will credit $1 million of the fine for passenger compensation.

Written by B.C. Begley