(ABC 6 News) — The U.S. Department of Transportation says it is prepared to take airlines to court over flight delays. The agency has filed a lawsuit against Southwest, accusing the airline of illegally operating chronically delayed flights and disrupting passengers’ travel plans.

The Department of Transportation is suing the airline for what it characterized as months of "chronically delayed" flights — those that arrive at least 30 minutes late more than half the time.

The Transportation Department alleges Southwest Airlines was “illegally operating multiple chronically delayed flights” in 2022.

Southwest is disappointed that DOT chose to file a lawsuit over two flights that occurred more than two years ago," a spokesperson for the airline said.

The DOT's moves come weeks after issuing a multi-million dollar fine against JetBlue.

American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River, home to some of the country's most restricted airspace.

The Transportation Department is stepping up enforcement of persistent flight delays with a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines and a fine against Frontier Airlines. The agency said the U.S ...

A Southwest ... to the U.S. Department of Treasury, but the other half can be waived if the airline doesn't operate any chronically delayed flights for the next three years. “Airlines have ...

A regional jet approach ing Reagan National Airport collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River late Wednesday night, prompting a massive search and rescue operation.

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy promised to improve the nation's transportation infrastructure and systems after Vice President JD Vance swore in Duffy on Wednesday afternoon.

Figure skaters and coaches returning from the national championships were aboard the American Airlines flight that collided with a Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday, the U.

The US Federal Aviation Administration says a PSA Airlines passenger jet has collided midair with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Follow live.