WASHINGTON, May 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of

Justice dropped a lawsuit late on Friday against Southwest

Airlines ( LUV ), filed by the Biden administration in its final

days, that accused the carrier of illegally operating

chronically delayed flights.

The Department of Transportation filed suit in January,

saying Southwest ( LUV ) operated unrealistic schedules and seeking

maximum civil penalties. Southwest ( LUV ), which did not immediately

comment on Friday, said in January it was disappointed that DOT

had chosen to sue "over two flights that occurred more than two

years ago."