- JetBlue Airways won takeoff and landing slots for up to 12 round-trip flights at New York's LaGuardia Airport that were previously held by Spirit Airlines, which shut down in May.
- JetBlue plans to move its operation to the Marine Air Terminal at LaGuardia, which Spirit operated out of until its shutdown.
- JetBlue won the slots at LaGuardia for a purchase price of $58.5 million, according to court documents.
- The 12 round-trip slots are still subject to final court and regulatory approvals, as stated by JetBlue.
- JetBlue is evaluating its plans for the slots and noted that any expansion won't happen until 2027.
JetBlue Airways has won takeoff and landing slots for up to 12 round-trip flights at New York's LaGuardia Airport, previously held by Spirit Airlines, which ceased operations in May. The airline plans to relocate to the Marine Air Terminal, a move that underscores the fierce competition for limited airport space.1234
The slots, acquired for $58.5 million in an auction, are still pending final court and regulatory approvals. JetBlue aims to expand its operations at LaGuardia, where it already holds 31 slots. The airline's return to the Marine Air Terminal, which it previously occupied, is seen as a strategic move to enhance its network strategy, although any expansion is not expected until 2027.6
In a note to staff, JetBlue emphasized the terminal's appeal, stating, “It's a convenient terminal travelers love.” The acquisition of Spirit's slots is part of a broader reshuffling at LaGuardia, a highly congested airport where airspace restrictions limit growth opportunities for airlines.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regulates the number of flights at LaGuardia, along with other major airports, making these slots particularly valuable. JetBlue's successful bid came amid competition from Frontier Airlines, which offered $57.5 million for the slots.
Spirit Airlines is currently navigating bankruptcy proceedings, with its assets being sold off as part of the process. The upcoming court hearing will seek approval for the sale of these slots, which would allow JetBlue to increase its presence at one of the busiest airports in the country.
“JetBlue paid $58.5 million for the slots in an auction, beating Frontier's $57.5 million bid, while the 12 round-trip slots are still subject to final court and regulatory approvals. The expansion won't happen until 2027, and Spirit's remaining assets are winding through bankruptcy court after the carrier shut down in May.”
CNBC
