United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
JetBlue-Spirit Airlines deal blocked
JetBlue’s planned $3.8bn takeover of Spirit Airlines has been nixed by a federal judge.
US district judge William Young ruled against the merger, agreeing with the Department of Justice that it would be a bad deal for competition and consumer choice.
The availability of Spirit Airlines’ cheaper fares ‘would likely be harmed’ by the acquisition, he said.
It would ‘substantially lessen competition.’
Both airlines are now ‘considering next steps,’ they said in a joint statement.
They still have the option to appeal the ruling.
“We disagree with the US District Court’s ruling. We continue to believe that our combination is the best opportunity to increase much needed competition and choice,” the airlines said.
“JetBlue’s termination of the Northeast Alliance and commitment to significant divestitures have removed any reasonable anti-competitive concerns.”
The DOJ had argued the deal would lead to higher airfares and ‘extinguish a vital source of low cost competitive disruption on more than 375 routes.’
It claimed it would cost consumers $1 billion in higher fares annually.
Related News Stories: Trial of JetBlue-Spirit airline merger begins JetBlue rolls out basic economy fare Passengers brace yourselves: Spirit strike has potential imitators … Teen traveling to Ohio, takes wrong flight to Puerto Rico Unaccompanied child put on wrong flight Miami and Beaches Coach operator ‘utterly heartbroken’ after 42 years in industry … Canadian budget carrier Flair Air unveils rebrand Discover the Magic of London: A Charming Neighborhood Beckons … Antigua & Barbuda…Your Space in the Sun
Related News Stories: JetBlue and Spirit end $3.8B merger. Here's why | AP News Office of Public Affairs | Justice Department Statements on JetBlue ... JetBlue and Spirit abandon the decision to merge after it was ... Why Was JetBlue-Spirit Blocked and What Does it Mean for the ... JetBlue and Spirit Airlines cancel $3.8bn merger after judge blocked ... Judge blocks JetBlue-Spirit merger after DOJ's antitrust challenge : r ... JetBlue-Spirit merger block in win for Biden's Justice Department JetBlue and Spirit Airlines terminate $3.8 billion merger agreement ... JetBlue-Spirit Deal Blocked by Judge on Antitrust Grounds (3) Biden's DOJ Blocking JetBlue-Spirit Merger Will Mean Higher Fares ...
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel