New rule could impact your next delayed or canceled flight

A new federal rule set to take effect Monday, Oct. 19, could reduce the likelihood that passengers receive compensation when flights are delayed or canceled. The U.S. Department of Transportation said 10 types of disruptions will no longer be attributed to the air carrier and instead will be tracked in a new “Section 511(b) category,” including issues such as aircraft damage from extreme weather or foreign object debris, cybersecurity attacks if regulations are met, unscheduled maintenance tied to airworthiness directives, airport closures due to volcanic ash or wind shear, and the removal of an unruly passenger. The DOT says the change responds to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 to better reflect what airlines can control. Industry groups note costs and customer compensation may be affected. The article cuts off before detailing additional examples.