US airlines can, once again, operate commercial flights to nine smaller airports in Cuba. Significant restrictions on charters are also gone. The moves reverse US diplomatic policy from 2019-2020.
Department of Transportation
Sacramento, Rapid City vie for Breeze Airways service
Both Sacramento and Rapid City want to see Breeze Airways planes in the year ahead. Federal grant money could help make that happen.
A renewed push for accessible toilets on single-aisle planes
More than 30 years after the US Department of Transportation required airlines to provide accessible lavatories on twin-aisle planes the agency might finally be ready to mandate similar on single-aisle aircraft. But even if the new rules take effect, the impact will not be felt for a long, long time.
United looks to launch Dulles-Cape Town service
United Airlines wants to add service between Washington-Dulles and Cape Town, South Africa. The carrier proposes to fly the route thrice weekly, complementing its 3x weekly service from Newark.
Delta plans Cape Town service, again
Delta Air Lines is, once again, angling to add Cape Town, South Africa to its route map. The carrier applied to the US Department of Transportation to fly the route 3x weekly from Atlanta on a year-round basis beginning 18 November 2022.
Norse Atlantic secures initial US operating authority
Norwegian startup Norse Atlantic will soon be able to operate flights to the United States. The carrier received tentative approval from the US Department of Transportation for its requested access to the US market.
Allegiant, Viva Aerobus plan groundbreaking joint venture
Allegiant sees significant potential carrying leisure travelers to Mexican resort destinations, but the cost – both real and relative to domestic expansion – is too high. Viva Aerobus wants to expand deeper into the US leisure segment, but its prior attempts mostly failed. Together, however, the two believe they can become a strong player in the transborder market, commanding a double digit share.
Air Canada fined $2 million in DOT settlement
Air Canada and the US Department of Transportation agreed to a $4.5 million fine related to the airline’s failure to provide timely refunds to passengers after cancelling flights in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
PLAY receives initial approval for US operations
Play Airlines is one step closer to US flights, with the US Department of Transportation indicating the carrier meets all necessary criteria.
Does an airline owe refunds for broken in-flight wifi?
Does an airline owe passengers a refund if their in-flight wifi doesn’t deliver? Currently that answer is murky. And at least one connectivity provider objects to language used in US Department of Transportation efforts to enact some consumer protection rules around their services.