JetBlue announced it will undergo significant changes to its network, aiming for a return to profitability after facing several strategic challenges. The airline communicated internally on Tuesday, a memo observed by and reported by TPG (see below), outlining its decision to cease operations in certain unprofitable routes and markets, marking the second round of such adjustments this year.
Starting June 13, JetBlue will terminate services to four airports: Kansas City International Airport (MCI); El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota, Colombia; Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO) in Quito, Ecuador; and Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Peru.
Flights to Kansas City currently operate from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), while the South American destinations are serviced from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
Strategic Reduction of Short-Haul Flights
Dave Jehn, JetBlue’s vice president of network planning, stated in the memo, “These markets are unprofitable and our aircraft time can be better utilized elsewhere.”
Furthermore, the airline will end its service from New York Stewart International Airport (SWF) in Newburgh, New York, where it had previously offered flights to two Florida cities, a service suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Additionally, JetBlue plans to reduce several routes, including scaling back its short-haul flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), without completely exiting these markets.
More details from The Points Guy
