Trump Administration Reverses $16 Million in Airline Fines

Trump Administration Reverses $16 Million in Airline Fines

The U.S. Department of Transportation has waived part of the fine that the Biden administration issued to American Airlines last year. In 2024, the agency penalized the carrier for violating laws protecting travelers with disabilities and levied a historic $50 million fine to set a precedent. However, the Trump administration has waived $16.7 million and instead requires American Airlines to purchase wheelchair lifts and mobile devices and updat…

American Airlines Redirects $16.1M DOT Penalty Toward Wheelchair-Handling Upgrades

American Airlines has sidestepped paying the remaining USD 16.1 million of a record federal fine after the U.S. Department of Transportation approved a revised compliance plan allowing the carrier to invest the funds directly into equipment and technology intended to improve how it handles wheelchairs and mobility devices across major airports. The decision, announced this week, marks a significant shift in the agency’s enforcement strategy, pri…