CINCINNATI (WKRC) – The Department of Transportation issued a fine against an international airline for “chronic flight delays” and “unrealistic scheduling.”

The department announced on Friday that JetBlue Airways will be fined $2 million for “chronic” delays caused by the airlines “unrealistic scheduling.”

“Illegal chronic flight delays make flying unreliable for travelers,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Today’s action puts the entire airline industry on notice that we expect their flight schedules to reflect reality.”

The department said that half of the fine will be reimbursed to customers affected by the delays, but did not disclose how that money would be distributed, according to CNN.

JetBlue spokesperson Derek Dombrowski said that the government shares in the culpability for the delays since they control air traffic control. Specifically, he said the company has invested “tens of millions of dollars to reduce flight delays, particularly related to ongoing air traffic control challenges in our largest markets in the Northeast and Florida.”

“While we’ve reached a settlement to resolve this matter regarding four (routes) in 2022 and 2023, we believe accountability for reliable air travel equally lies with the U.S. government, which operates our nation’s air traffic control system,” he continued.

A “chronically late” flight is defined by the Department of Transportation as a flight that runs at least 10 times a month and arrives over 30 minutes later over half the time, according to The Associated Press.

CNN reported that JetBlue is the first ever airline to be penalized for delays.

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