JetBlue Wins Spirit Slots at LaGuardia, Eyes Marine Air Terminal Move

JetBlue Airways has won Spirit Airlines slots at New York's LaGuardia Airport for 12 round-trip flights and is looking to move back into the failed budget carrier's former terminal. The acquisition comes less than three months after Spirit collapsed in the biggest U.S. airline failure in decades. The slots are still subject to final court and regulatory approvals. Slots and gates are valuable at congested airports like LaGuardia because tight airspace restrictions and crowded facilities in major cities cap airline growth.

JetBlue Acquires 12 Round-Trip Slots Pending Approvals

JetBlue told staff in a note Monday that it's evaluating plans for the slots as the carrier considers opportunities for its network strategy. Any expansion won't happen until 2027. The slots at the tightly controlled airport are still subject to final court and regulatory approvals.

Carriers have turned to using larger planes that fit more passengers to boost their capacity in some cases because infrastructure is so limited at congested facilities.

JetBlue Plans Return to Marine Air Terminal

JetBlue wants to move to Terminal A, also known as the Marine Air Terminal, an Art Deco facility that Spirit operated out of until it shut down in early May. JetBlue previously operated out of the space before relocating to a newer terminal years ago.

"It's a convenient terminal travelers love," JetBlue said of the Marine Air Terminal.

Spirit Airlines kiosks at New York's LaGuardia Airport on May 2, hours after the carrier shut down.

Spirit Assets Move Through Bankruptcy Court

Spirit's airport assets are now winding their way through U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York. The New York-based JetBlue, which is in the midst of a big expansion at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida, last month said it would reduce its staffing footprint at LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and ramp up service in Fort Lauderdale.

FAQ

What did JetBlue acquire from Spirit Airlines at LaGuardia Airport?

JetBlue won Spirit Airlines slots at LaGuardia Airport for 12 round-trip flights. The slots are still subject to final court and regulatory approvals.

Why does JetBlue want to move to the Marine Air Terminal?

JetBlue wants to move to Terminal A, also known as the Marine Air Terminal, where Spirit operated until it shut down in early May. JetBlue previously operated out of this Art Deco facility before relocating to a newer terminal years ago, and the carrier described it as "a convenient terminal travelers love."

When will JetBlue expand operations with the new slots?

JetBlue told staff Monday that any expansion using the acquired slots won't happen until 2027. The carrier is currently evaluating plans for the slots as it considers opportunities for its network strategy.