American Airlines Slapped With $4.1M Fine For Tarmac Delays

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) fined American Airlines Group Inc AAL $4.1 million for violating federal statutes and the department’s rule.

The DOT’s rule prohibits tarmac delays of three hours or more on domestic flights without providing passengers an opportunity to deplane.

An investigation by the Department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) found that between 2018 and 2021, American allowed 43 domestic flights to remain on the tarmac for lengthy periods without providing passengers an opportunity to deplane in violation of the department’s tarmac delay rule.

Also, on one of the 43 flights, passengers were not provided with food and water as required.

DOT has ordered American to pay the largest fine ever issued for tarmac delay violations and cease and desist from violating the law.

The fine is part of DOT’s effort to ensure the traveling public is protected, including returning more than $2.5 billion in refunds to travelers. 

AAL Price Action: AAL shares are trading higher by 0.51% at $14.66 on the last check Monday.