# Can the FAA penalize or sanction airlines and/or airports for poor performance?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-faa-penalize-or-sanction-airlines-and-or-airports-for-poor-performance/829988>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [February 21, 2019, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-faa-penalize-or-sanction-airlines-and-or-airports-for-poor-performance/829988 "2019-02-21T23:02:03Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\
**Post date:** [February 21, 2019, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-faa-penalize-or-sanction-airlines-and-or-airports-for-poor-performance/829988/1 "2019-02-21T23:02:03Z")

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I’ve found several examples of the FAA issuing fines against airports, airlines, and even unruly passengers. But it appears to be only for maintenance/safety issues.  
What about an airline that is habitually delayed? Or an airport? If an airline/airport is unnecessarily burdening the National Airspace System through poor on-time performance, can they be penalized by the FAA? Is there any repercussion?

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**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\
**Post date:** [February 22, 2019, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-faa-penalize-or-sanction-airlines-and-or-airports-for-poor-performance/829988/2 "2019-02-22T04:51:33Z")

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[Frontier Airlines Fined $1.5 Million for Violating Tarmac Delay Rule](https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/dot7317)