Washington, Dec 22 – The US government issued new regulations Monday requiring airlines to allow passengers to leave a plane that has been stuck on the tarmac for three hours.

The new rule is designed to address incidents in which delays stranded passengers in planes for lengthy periods.

‘Airline passengers have rights, and these new rules will require airlines to live up to their obligation to treat their customers fairly,’ Ray LaHood, the secretary of the Department of Transportation, said.

Airlines opposed the rule, arguing it will cause further delays. The rule goes into effect in 120 days.

The three-hour limit applies to domestic flights and requires international carriers to designate and adhere to their own limits for keeping passengers of a delayed flight in planes.

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