Southwest Airlines fined $140m for holiday meltdown

Southwest Airlines has been fined a record $140m (£110m) by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) over its operational meltdown in 2022.

The penalty is about 30 times larger than any other previous fine levelled against an airline in US history.

Millions were left stranded after Southwest cancelled more than 16,900 flights during a busy week of holiday travel last winter.

US officials said the fine "sets a new precedent and sends a clear message".

"If airlines fail their passengers, we will use the full extent of our authority to hold them accountable," said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement on Monday.

The majority of the fine will go towards compensating future Southwest passengers affected by cancellations or delays caused by the airline, while $35m will be paid to the government.