JetBlue is asking the Transportation Department for an exemption from new rules on tarmac delay limits at New York's Kennedy Airport while its biggest runway is closed for repairs.
At the end of April, a new rule setting a three-hour cap for holding passengers in planes on the tarmac goes into effect. Airlines face fines up to $27,500 per passenger for violations.
On March 1, Kennedy's main runway closed for about four months of maintenance work and upgrades.
"JetBlue has already taken several steps to minimize the impact of this closure on its JFK operations, including a voluntary and significant reduction in planned flight operations and implementing guidelines for passenger comfort and convenience in such situations that are more stringent than current law," JetBlue said in a March 4 request to the DOT.
"This exemption is necessary to ensure that JetBlue is not penalized if JFK becomes gridlocked at peak operating times."
The airline said it will inform passengers before boarding that significant delays may be encountered because of the runway closing, and that it will ensure that each of its aircraft is stocked with sufficient food and beverages to accommodate delays.
"In addition, lavatories will be available and LiveTV will be provided to passengers on each aircraft," Jet Blue said.