The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a record $4.1 million airline fine against American Airlines for multiple long tarmac delays.
The US DOT said it is the largest fine of its kind so far.
Rules require airlines to allow passengers to exit the aircraft during lengthy ground delays in excess of three hours.
American is required to pay around half the amount in fines with the airline given credit for $2 million paid out to the delayed passengers.
The fine covers 43 delayed domestic flights which impacted over 5,000 passengers between 2018 and 2021.
“This is the latest action in our continued drive to enforce the rights of airline passengers,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.
The airline said it had already provided ‘substantial compensation’ to delayed passengers.
Most of the delays happened at its main Dallas-Fort Worth hub.
