The US Department of Transportation (DOT) fined Volaris Airlines $300,000 for violating federal statutes and the DOT's rule prohibiting tarmac delays of four hours or more on international flights without providing passengers an opportunity to deplane. The airline was also ordered to cease and desist from future similar violations.
An investigation by the DOT's office of aviation consumer protection (OACP) found that in 2021 and 2022, Volaris allowed two flights to remain on the tarmac for lengthy periods without providing passengers an opportunity to deplane, in violation of tarmac delay rules.
""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?US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. ""This enforcement action reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting consumers and holding airlines accountable.""
On August 17, 2021, Volaris flight 5892 from Guadalajara to Dallas Fort Worth experienced a tarmac delay of over five hours when it was diverted to Houston George Bush, impacting over 150 passengers.
In addition, on July 23, 2022, Volaris flight 826 from Mexico City to Chicago O’Hare experienced a tarmac delay of over four hours when it was diverted to St. Louis with nearly 170 passengers impacted by the delay. The OACP found that passengers were not provided food and water as required.
Volaris fined $300,000 for violating federal statutes
