The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) fined Frontier Airlines $650,000 for chronic flight delays. The penalty follows the airline’s repeated failure to keep on-time services on three routes in 2022 and 2023. The DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) found that Frontier Airlines operated three chronically delayed flights more than 63 times, violating federal regulations.

From August 2022 to April 2023, the DOT tracked delays on flights from St. Thomas to Orlando, Atlanta to Phoenix, and Orlando to Houston. The airline continued to operate these routes despite the delays, causing customer inconvenience and further disruptions for travelers, especially those with connecting flights. The DOT imposed an initial fine of $325,000. If delays continue, Frontier Airlines could face an additional $325,000 penalty.

Frontier Airlines stated that many delays resulted from factors outside their control, such as weather and changes to the National Airspace System. For instance, a delayed flight between St. Thomas and Orlando faced unexpected wind shifts and airport construction. The airline did not adjust its schedule to prevent further delays, which the DOT considered a violation.

The settlement requires Frontier Airlines to make two payments: one within 60 days and another within a year. The airline also pledged to resolve its operational issues. The DOT warned that future violations would lead to further fines. The decision aims to prevent similar problems and hold airlines accountable for delays.

This fine is one of several recent penalties for chronic delays. JetBlue and Southwest also faced fines for similar violations. This penalty sends a strong message to airlines about the importance of maintaining reliable services to avoid public backlash and legal consequences.

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