Spirit Airlines Shutdown: JetBlue Picks Up 11 New Florida Routes
Spirit Airlines has ceased operations after 34 years, abruptly shutting down and leaving around 17,000 employees jobless, while JetBlue quickly announced 11 new routes from Fort Lauderdale to fill the gap. The new JetBlue routes, starting July 9, include six destinations it had not previously served and will significantly expand its presence in South Florida. Spirit's closure removes nearly 2% of U.S. domestic airline capacity, likely leading to higher fares on former low-cost routes.
- ▪Spirit Airlines shut down operations after 34 years, citing high oil prices linked to the war with Iran.
- ▪JetBlue will launch 11 new routes from Fort Lauderdale, including first-time service to six cities, starting July 9.
- ▪The shutdown removes nearly 2% of U.S. domestic airline seats, with major impacts in Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Las Vegas.
- ▪JetBlue's expansion will bring nearly 130 daily departures from Fort Lauderdale this summer, a 75% increase from last year.
- ▪Spirit's bondholders rejected a $500 million federal rescue deal, leading to the airline's wind-down.
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By Adeola AdeosunWeekend Night EditorShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.JetBlue Airways announced 11 new routes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida just hours after Spirit Airlines abruptly shut down on Saturday, ending 34 years of operations and leaving roughly 17,000 employees out of work. The new JetBlue routes—set to begin July 9—directly fill markets Spirit Airlines served, including six destinations JetBlue had not flown to before.
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