JetBlue Fined $2 Million for Chronic Flight Delays in Landmark Ruling

The Department of Transportation penalized the airline for unrealistic scheduling practices, marking the first fine of its kind in the U.S.

JetBlue was fined $2 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for operating four chronically delayed flight routes between 2022 and 2023.
The airline's unrealistic scheduling practices were deemed deceptive and anticompetitive, violating federal regulations requiring schedules to reflect actual departure and arrival times.
Half of the fine will go toward compensating affected passengers, with a minimum of $75 per passenger for delays or cancellations caused by JetBlue.
The DOT investigation found 395 delays and cancellations across four routes, with each flight delayed for at least five consecutive months.
JetBlue attributed some delays to air traffic control issues but committed to improving punctuality, citing investments in operational improvements in 2024.