U.S. Southwest flight cancellation probe looks at scheduling practices

WASHINGTON, Jan 25 (Reuters) – The U.S. Transportation Department (USDOT) said on Wednesday it is in the initial phase of its investigation into Southwest Airlines’ (LUV.N) massive December flight cancellations.

The department’s investigation was previously announced but USDOT disclosed Wednesday it is reviewing whether “Southwest executives engaged in unrealistic scheduling of flights which under federal law is considered an unfair and deceptive practice.”

Southwest canceled more than 16,000 flights in December citing a severe winter storm and the company’s outdated technology.

Reporting by David Shepardson
Editing by Chris Reese

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