JetBlue Airways has announced it will cease its direct service between Austin and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, starting May 1, according to a statement provided to KXAN. Despite this change, the airline will maintain its nonstop flights from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to New York JFK and Boston.
Passengers seeking alternative nonstop services to Fort Lauderdale can still choose from offerings by Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines.
The discontinuation of the Austin-Fort Lauderdale route is part of JetBlue’s broader strategy to scale back operations. This decision comes shortly after the airline’s plans to merge with Spirit Airlines were halted by a federal court ruling.
An airline spokesperson elaborated, “JetBlue is constantly evaluating our routes to best serve our customers, return our airline to profitability, and find ways to improve our reliability. As part of that process, we have decided to end some routes, make others seasonal and exit five cities.”
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Among the affected services are all flights to Kansas City and Newburgh, New York, as well as international flights to Bogota, Colombia; Quito, Ecuador; and Lima, Peru. The spokesperson added, “These decisions are never easy, however, these markets have recently fallen short of our expectations.”
JetBlue aims to reallocate resources towards more profitable and reliable routes, particularly those operating from its focus cities. This strategic adjustment is also influenced by current limitations in aircraft availability, with a portion of JetBlue’s fleet grounded for engine inspections. The airline believes these changes will enhance its operational efficiency and customer service.