JetBlue Fined $2M for East Coast Delays

The U.S. Department of Transportation has fined JetBlue Airways $2 million for chronic flight delays along the East Coast. This penalty marks the first time an airline has been fined for such an issue, with half of the fine allocated to passengers affected by these delays. The delays were attributed to JetBlue's unrealistic scheduling on routes connecting New York's JFK Airport with Raleigh-Durham, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, as well as between Windsor Locks and Fort Lauderdale. JetBlue acknowledged the delays but partly blamed the U.S. government's air traffic control system and has invested significantly to improve its on-time performance. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized that the department will enforce regulations to ensure airlines publish realistic schedules. The fine is intended to hold airlines accountable and protect consumers from unreliable travel experiences.