The Trump administration on Friday dropped a lawsuit introduced in opposition to Southwest Airways by former President Biden’s Transportation Division (DOT) alleging it marketed unrealistic flight schedules.
The Justice Division filed a motion to dismiss the case within the U.S. District Court docket for Northern California after the Biden administration accused Southwest of knowingly advertising flights with impractical schedules regardless of power delays in 2022.
Southwest applauded the administration’s determination on Friday night, chalking up the delays in query to challenges related to the pandemic.
“We respect the DOT’s determination to desert its lawsuit in opposition to Southwest, which we consider is the right consequence on this case,” a spokesperson for the airline instructed the Hill.
The lawsuit, filed simply 5 days earlier than Biden left workplace on Jan. 20, targeted on two particular flights: one between Baltimore, Md. and Cleveland, Ohio and one other between Chicago and Oakland, Calif.
“The 2 flights at concern occurred years in the past when the trade confronted unprecedented challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and have been delayed as a consequence of points exterior of Southwest’s management in quite a few circumstances,” the spokesperson added, noting Southwest has made “important investments” to enhance operations since 2022.
Reuters reported in March that the Trump administration was engaged in talks with Southwest to resolve the swimsuit, which sought most penalties.
The lawsuit’s dismissal comes as air journey has been in the spotlight in current months, significantly over safety concerns after a handful of lethal crashes and a nationwide air site visitors controller scarcity.
Since Trump returned to Washington earlier this yr, the administration has sought to repair outdated air traffic control systems and handle the shortage of controllers.
The Transportation Division didn’t instantly reply to The Hill’s request for remark.