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The US Transportation Department announced on Wednesday that it will impose a fine of up to $300,000 on Mexican carrier Volaris Airlines for airport tarmac delays that are in violation of federal law.

Volaris Faces $300,000 Penalty Over Tarmac Delays

Based on the federal law and government regulations, it is not allowed to keep passengers on international flights waiting on the tarmac for more than four hours without giving them a chance to get off the plane.

Reuters reported that Volaris has agreed to pay a fine of $150,000, with the possibility of an additional $150,000 if it fails to comply with tarmac rules within the next year. Similar fines have been issued by the department in recent years.

"This enforcement action demonstrates our continued dedication to safeguarding consumers and ensuring that airlines are held responsible," stated Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Volaris attributed the delays to the high volume of air traffic at the terminals.

Airline Passenger Rights

The DOT stated that during the Biden administration, the department has made significant progress in enhancing airline passenger rights, imposing substantial fines on airlines for consumer-related issues, and ensuring that passengers receive the highest amount of refunds and reimbursements in the department's history.

Last month, a new final rule was implemented that mandates airlines to provide timely cash refunds to passengers in the event of flight cancellations, significant delays, or lost baggage, UPI reported.

Since President Biden took office, airline passengers have received nearly $4 billion in refunds and reimbursements, as reported by the DOT.

The DOT has developed a 2022 Airline Consumer Dashboard to provide passengers with a clearer understanding of their rights in cases of flight cancellations or delays that are within the airlines' control.