US Sues Southwest Airlines Over Two Chronically Delayed Flights Causing 180 Disruptions

Jan 15, 2025, 08:48 PM

The US Department of Transportation has sued Southwest Airlines over two chronically delayed flights that resulted in 180 disruptions over a five-month period in 2022. The lawsuit alleges that the carrier violated regulations requiring airlines to set and meet realistic flight schedules, and the department is seeking maximum civil penalties. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized that airlines have a legal obligation to ensure their schedules are realistic. The lawsuit was filed in California.