The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) filed a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines on January 15, 2025, alleging the carrier illegally operated chronically delayed flights. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Oakland, California, seeks 'maximum civil penalties.'
The DOT's investigation found that Southwest operated two specific routes—Chicago Midway to Oakland, California, and Baltimore to Cleveland, Ohio—that were chronically delayed for five consecutive months between April and August 2022. These delays resulted in 180 flight disruptions for passengers.
Southwest Airlines expressed disappointment with the lawsuit, stating that the claims relate to events over two years ago and do not reflect its overall performance. The company emphasized its long history of compliance with DOT policies regarding chronically delayed flights.
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