DOT fines JetBlue $2 million for operating 'multiple chronically delayed flights'

The Transportation Department has fined JetBlue $2 million for operating "multiple chronically delayed flights," marking the first penalty of its kind, the agency announced Friday. 

The agency in its announcement cited the airline's "unrealistic scheduling practice, which can harm both passengers and fair competition across the airline industry" and said the penalty "marks the first time" DOT has fined an airline for such.

Half of the penalty, or fine, will go to JetBlue customers affected by what the agency calls the airline’s illegal chronic delays or any future disruptions caused within the next year."

“Illegal chronic flight delays make flying unreliable for travelers," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement. "Today's action puts the airline industry on notice that we expect their flight schedules to reflect reality,” 

The agency is also investigating other airlines for "unrealistic flight schedules."