The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has imposed a fine of $1.9 million on American Airlines, the world's largest airline, for prolonged tarmac delays. This is the largest fine ever issued by DOT for violations of the tarmac delay rule. The rule stipulates that airlines must allow passengers to disembark a plane if it has been on the tarmac for more than three hours on domestic flights, or four hours for international flights.
According to DOT, the fine was imposed following an investigation into 13 flights operated by American Airlines at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina in 2020. These flights experienced lengthy tarmac delays without giving passengers an opportunity to deplane.
Under the terms of the settlement, American Airlines will pay $750,000 of the fine. The remaining amount will be credited back to the airline for providing affected passengers with compensation, as well as for investing in systems and procedures to prevent future instances of prolonged tarmac delays.
Passengers who were on the affected flights are eligible for compensation, and American Airlines has already begun reaching out to them. The airline is required to provide compensation at a minimum of $1,000 per passenger for flights delayed between three and four hours, and up to $2,000 for delays longer than four hours.
The DOT's enforcement action is a clear message to airlines about the importance of adhering to the tarmac delay rule. It underscores the commitment of the DOT to protect passenger rights and ensure airlines abide by regulations designed to prevent undue discomfort and inconvenience to passengers.
American Airlines has stated that it is committed to improving its procedures and systems to avoid such delays in the future. The airline has also expressed its intention to continue working with DOT to ensure compliance with all regulations.