JetBlue to Funnel Flights to Fewer Airports

JetBlue is now consolidating operations in five major metropolitan areas in the U.S between April 15 and June 10 in a measure aimed at reducing excess flying during this time of unprecedented low demand for air travel. The airline hopes to be able to maintain a critical level of service across the airline’s network for those who absolutely must fly.

“We face new challenges every day and can’t hesitate to take the steps necessary to reduce our costs amidst dramatically falling demand so we can emerge from this unprecedented time as a strong company for our customers and crewmembers,” said Scott Laurence, head of revenue and planning, JetBlue.

Starting Wednesday, JetBlue will consolidate its operations in Boston, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco and Washington D.C. with flights operating at one or two airports in each metro area.

JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines have been the first two US carriers to apply for immediate exemptions under the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) service requirements, striking 19 and 26 destinations in their respective networks. The applications come as airlines face what will likely be a long period in which travel will be restricted and passenger demand almost non-existent due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Not unlike other carriers, JetBlue has reduced flying network-wide by 80% per day so far this month. Customers whose flights have been canceled will be notified via email by the airline’s Customer Support team for rebooking options on other JetBlue flights or to receive a refund or credit from the airline for future travel.

New York-based JetBlue is a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando, and San Juan. It carries more than 42 million customers annually to some 100 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average (until recently) of more than 1,000 daily flights.