WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) – The U.S. Transportation Department said Tuesday it will waive $16.7 million in fines issued to American Airlines under then President Joe Biden in 2024 as part of a settlement over the air carrier’s treatment of disabled passengers, including failing to provide some with adequate assistance and mishandling wheelchairs.
USDOT said it will instead require American to spend $16.8 million to benefit passengers with disabilities, including requiring American to buy 119 additional wheelchair lifts at three high-volume airports as well as mobile devices and software enhancements that will allow American to track and record passenger wheelchairs point-by-point as they move through the transport process.
Under the original settlement in 2024, American agreed to pay $25 million in fines over three years and was credited with $25 million for investments to address the issues and goodwill compensation to impacted passengers.
(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington)
