Lufthansa Boeing 787.Photo: Newsroom.
WASHINGTON – On 15 October 2024, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a record $4 million fine against Lufthansa. The reason was a violation of the rights of 128 Jewish passengers travelling from New York via Frankfurt to Budapest in May 2022.
Circumstances of the incident
Lufthansa refused to allow these passengers to board their connecting flight in Germany, citing alleged inappropriate behaviour by some of them. Most of these passengers, who belonged to the Orthodox Jewish community, did not know each other and had not travelled together. Nevertheless, the airline, according to the DOT, treated them as a homogeneous group, denying them boarding without sufficient grounds.
US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg spoke out in defence of passengers, stressing the inadmissibility of discrimination when travelling. “This decision should send a clear message to the aviation industry that we are prepared to investigate and take action when passenger rights are violated,” he said.
Investigation and conclusions
The DOT received more than 40 discrimination complaints related to the flight. The investigation found that Lufthansa could not provide evidence of inappropriate behaviour by any of the passengers who were banned. The captain of the first flight reported alleged misconduct by some passengers to Lufthansa security, but no specific cases were identified.
According to the investigation, Lufthansa’s decision resulted in flight delays for more than 100 passengers who were unable to board their scheduled flight to Budapest. All of the detained passengers were Jewish.
Increasing the responsibility of airlines
This fine was the largest ever imposed by the DOT on an airline for discrimination. Such actions underscore the importance of respecting the rights of all passengers in the aviation industry. In recent years, the DOT has been active in improving its oversight of airlines, including imposing fines totalling more than $170 million for consumer violations.
The Lufthansa case is a vivid reminder that non-discrimination is an important aspect of ensuring a fair experience for all passengers. The DOT will continue to use its authority to ensure equal rights in the aviation industry by urging airlines to comply with regulations that protect the rights of all travellers.
