Bart Jansen

USA TODAY

WASHINGTON – Delta Air Lines agreed to a $90,000 fine for failing to provide food during four lengthy tarmac delays in New York and Atlanta last July, the Transportation Department announced Thursday.

Delta issued a statement Friday expressing regret about how snacks were distributed, but said the airline strives to provide food and water during delays.

The two flights with the delays at New York’s JFK airport were headed to Madrid on July 1 and to Atlanta on July 8. The two flights with delays at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 21 were headed to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in South Carolina and to Portland International Jetport in Maine.

While water was provided during each of the delays, federal investigators found that snacks for the Madrid flight were placed in the galley, but not distributed to all passengers. Snacks were provided on the Atlanta flight while the plane’s door was open, but not during the two hours and 11 minutes when passengers couldn’t get off, investigators said.

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Only water was provided during the two-hour delay for the Portland flight and there were inadequate provisions for all passengers on the South Carolina flight, investigators said.

Delta replied in the four-page consent order that none of the delays lasted longer than three hours without allowing passengers to get off the plane. A number of flights were reported on the days under investigation when there were fierce thunderstorms in New York and Atlanta.

The department assessed a $90,000 fine in a compromise on other penalties that might have been imposed, according to the agreement signed by Blane Workie, assistant general counsel for aviation enforcement.

Delta’s statement Friday said the airline places the highest priority on safety and comfort of passengers and crew members.

“As stated in the order, Delta acknowledges and regrets that the way snacks were distributed during these delays was not ideal,” the airline said in a statement. “We strive to provide food and water during extended delays because that’s the level of excellent customer service we are known for and not simply because it is required by regulation.”

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