US fines Volaris $300,000 for violating tarmac delay rules

WASHINGTON, May 15 (Reuters) - The U.S. Transportation Department said Wednesday it had fined Mexican carrier Volaris Airlines $300,000 for violating federal law on airport tarmac delays.

Federal law and government regulations prohibit tarmac delays of four hours or more on international flights without providing passengers an opportunity to deplane.

The department said in 2021 and 2022, Volaris allowed two flights to remain on the tarmac for lengthy periods without providing passengers an opportunity to deplane. Volaris will pay $150,000 of the fine and must pay the other $150,000 fine if it violates the rules within a year. USDOT has issued a number of similar fines to other carriers in recent years.

(Reporting by David Shepardson)