Federal Government, Fines American Airlines , for Long Delays.
NPR reports that the United States government will fine American Airlines $4.1 million for long ground delays that kept passengers on board planes without a chance to exit.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, it is the largest fine ever issued against an airline since regulation on ground delays began decades ago.
NPR reports that American will have to pay half of the fine in the next 30 days.
The federal government will give the airline credit for the other half of the fine, equaling just over $2 million.
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The Department of Transportation's investigation revealed that American had kept 43 domestic flights grounded for at least three hours between 2018 and 2021.
This is the latest action in our continued drive to enforce the rights of airline passengers, Pete Buttigieg, Transportation Secretary, via NPR.
NPR reports that American Airlines defended itself, saying that those 43 flights represent just 1% of the airline's 7.7 million flights operated over the same period of time.
The airline reportedly added that "substantial compensation" had already been paid to delayed passengers.
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A majority of delays reportedly occurred at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
NPR reports that many of the incidents happened during thunderstorms or other inclement weather
