Southwest Airlines has been slapped with a staggering $140 million penalty following the tumultuous holiday season of 2022.

The airline’s operational meltdown during the peak holiday travel period resulted in severe disruptions for thousands of passengers and garnered widespread criticism.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued the substantial fine, deeming it a “strong deterrent” to prevent such disastrous incidents in the future.

The airline faced an unprecedented number of cancellations and delays, leaving passengers stranded and furious during a time when travel was meant to be joyous.

The CAA investigation revealed a combination of factors contributing to the chaos, including inadequate staffing, technical issues, and poor communication.

Passengers endured extensive delays, missed connections, and lost luggage, causing significant distress and inconvenience.

The hefty fine serves as a stark warning to airlines nationwide, emphasising the importance of proper planning and crisis management during peak travel periods. Southwest Airlines has committed to improving its operations and compensating affected passengers.