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 that half the money will go to passengers who were delayed on flights along four routes on the East Coast between summer 2022 and late 2023. The department says it's the first such fine against an airline over chronic delays, and it blames JetBlue for “unrealistic scheduling.” JetBlue says despite settling the matter, it blames the federal government for problems in the air traffic control system that contribute to late flights. JetBlue says the incoming Trump administration should modernize air traffic control technology and hire more controllers.