JetBlue has won Spirit Airlines’ coveted takeoff and landing slots at New York’s LaGuardia Airport – and plans to move into the failed carrier’s old home as airlines fight for space at crowded terminals, according to a report.
In a note to staffers Monday, as reported by CNBC, JetBlue announced it is “evaluating our plans for the slots as we consider opportunities for our network strategy,” noting that any expansion would not take place until 2027.
The New York-based airline also said it wants to move back to Terminal A, where Spirit had operated until it shut down in May and where JetBlue was previously based – calling it “a convenient terminal travelers love.”
It comes less than three months after Spirit was forced to cease operations after it failed to secure a $500 million bailout from the Trump administration, following the carrier’s second bankruptcy filing in under two years.
JetBlue did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
Though the 12 roundtrip slots are still subject to final court and regulatory approvals, it would mark a major expansion for JetBlue at a packed airport known for tight airspace restrictions and huge crowds.
Airlines have been struggling to pack in more passengers as they face strict airport guidelines, with many turning to larger aircraft to boost their capacity and revenue.
JetBlue previously operated out of Terminal A, an Art Deco facility known as the Marine Air Terminal, before relocating to a newer terminal years ago.
The airline last month announced it would close its flight attendant base at Newark Liberty International Airport and its tech operations bases at Newark and LaGuardia to cut costs as it undertakes a major expansion at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida.
Meanwhile, Spirit’s assets are currently winding their way through US Bankruptcy Court in New York after the airline abruptly shuttered operations in May – leaving many travelers stranded.
The embattled discount airline – known for its neon yellow Airbus fleet and ultra-low fares – had been operating at massive losses, losing $1.61 for every $1 it took in, according to its March operations report.
Like many other airlines, Spirit had also been struggling to contend with surging jet fuel prices as the Iran war fueled the worst-ever energy supply disruption in history.
The feisty upstart competed against major carriers for 34 years, growing into the nation’s eighth-largest airline, employing more than 17,000 staffers and operating hundreds of daily flights.