The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will distribute $2.3 billion to 66 U.S. air carriers for expenses and lost revenue related to aviation security.
"Air travel is a vital part of our nation's economy and a key aspect of the quality of life of Americans," said James M. Loy, Administrator of TSA.
The $2.3 billion was distributed in proportion to the amount of security fees that eligible carriers have paid to TSA since February 2002. An additional $100 million has been set aside by Congress to compensate airlines for costs associated with reinforcing cockpit doors.
Loy cautioned that the program was "not simply a cash hand-out for airlines to restore them to economic health".
The security fee that has been charged to airline passengers since February 2002 will also be suspended from June 1 through September 30 The suspension of these fees is expected to save airline passengers and airlines an estimated $700 million.
The five airlines receiving the largest shares of the disbursement are: Delta ($390 million); American ($360 million); United ($300 million); Southwest ($271 million); and U.S. Air ($216 million).
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