Story perspectives

Southwest Airlines Waives $11M Fine, Promises System Upgrades

12/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Transportation has waived an $11 million fine from Southwest Airlines after a December 2022 winter storm that caused 17,000 cancellations and stranded 2 million travelers.
The Biden administration initially imposed a $140 million penalty.
The Department believes the waiver will spur improvements.
Southwest Airlines has pledged to invest the waived amount in system improvements.
The airline thanked the Department of Transportation for recognizing its modernization.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Department of Transportation has waived an $11 million fine from Southwest Airlines after a December 2022 winter storm that caused 17,000 cancellations and stranded 2 million travelers.
The Biden administration initially imposed a $140 million penalty.
The Department believes the waiver will spur improvements.
Southwest Airlines has pledged to invest the waived amount in system improvements.
The airline thanked the Department of Transportation for recognizing its modernization.