Passengers were not permitted to deboard from two Volaris flights that were grounded longer than 4 hours.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently fined Volaris Airlines $300,000 for violating regulations “prohibiting tarmac delays of four hours or more on international flights” without allowing passengers to deplane. The airline must also cease and desist from future violations.
“If an airline passenger is stranded on the tarmac for hours on end, they have the right to disembark from the plane—and we’re making sure airlines give passengers that opportunity,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “This enforcement action reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting consumers and holding airlines accountable.”
An investigation by the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) found that Volaris allowed two flights in 2021 and 2022 to remain on the tarmac for over four hours without offering passengers the chance to deplane, violating the tarmac delay rule. On one of the flights, passengers were not offered food and water as required.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Buttigieg to be prudent as he oversees his department’s implementation of airline regulations.
- For U.S. transportation officials as they seek to ensure air travelers receive proper accommodations during flight groundings.
Sources: Department of Transportation
