US fines JetBlue $2 million for ‘chronic’ flight delays on several East Coast routes

JetBlue is getting hit with a $2 million penalty for chronically late flights

The Transportation Department said Friday it will hit JetBlue Airways with a $2 million penalty for chronically late flights along the East Coast, and half the money will go to passengers who were delayed.

The agency said it’s the first time it has fined an airline for chronic delays on specific routes, which it blamed on “unrealistic scheduling” by JetBlue.

“Illegal chronic flight delays make flying unreliable for travelers. Today’s action puts the entire airline industry on notice that we expect their flight schedules to reflect reality,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. His department has led the Biden administration in criticizing airlines for poor service and an increase in fees on travelers.

JetBlue said the government, which operates the air traffic control system, shares the blame for late flights.

Airline spokespers