The U.S. Transportation Department announced it would waive an $11 million fine against Southwest Airlines, originally imposed for the airline’s widespread holiday meltdown in December 2022.

The waiver is part of a broader $140 million settlement, which included a $35 million cash fine and $90 million in travel vouchers for affected passengers, agreed to by Southwest in December 2023.

Driving the news: The meltdown stranded over two million passengers due to airline-caused cancellations and delays during one of the busiest travel periods. • Eligible passengers, whose trips were delayed by three or more hours, receive $75 or more in travel vouchers over a three-year period.

The big picture: The Transportation Department cited Southwest’s post-meltdown investment of over $1 billion in i

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