JetBlue Airways has received final approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to acquire 22 takeoff and landing slots at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Spirit Airlines previously held the slots before ceasing operations and entering liquidation earlier this year.
JetBlue won the slots in a bankruptcy auction with a $58.5 million bid, beating Frontier Airlines. The acquisition includes 12 departure slots and 10 arrival slots. It will allow JetBlue to add up to 12 daily round trips from the congested airport, with new services expected to begin in 2027. JetBlue’s share of LaGuardia slots will rise from approximately 2.7% to 4.6%.
The FAA barred JetBlue from leasing or selling the slots to another airline until after April 2028. The agency said the transfer is in the public interest and will enhance competition.