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Justice Department Sues to Block JetBlue’s Proposed Acquisition of Spirit
“JetBlue's elimination of Spirit as an independent company increases the risk that the remaining airlines – including JetBlue – would coordinate to raise prices or reduce capacity on particular routes where Spirit currently operates. In short, if not blocked, the merger of JetBlue and Spirit would result in higher fares and fewer choices for tens of millions of travelers across the country. The Justice Department is suing to prevent that from happening.”
-Attorney General Merrick B. Garland
“...I want to reiterate that the Department continues to closely examine practices and review proposed mergers to ensure they are consistent with federal antitrust law. Companies in every industry should understand by now that this Justice Department will not hesitate to enforce antitrust laws and protect American consumers.”
-Attorney General Merrick B. Garland
“Our complaint alleges that JetBlue’s acquisition of Spirit would particularly hurt cost-conscious travelers. Ultra-low-cost carriers make air travel possible so more Americans can take a much-needed family vacation or celebrate or mourn together with loved ones. We allege that the proposed merger would lead to fewer seats and higher prices for travelers.”
-Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta.
“JetBlue’s proposed acquisition of Spirit eliminates a disruptive, low-cost option for millions of Americans. Whether they fly Spirit or not, travelers throughout the United States benefit from an independent Spirit because where Spirit competes, other airlines – including JetBlue – are forced to compete more vigorously by lowering fares, offering greater innovations, and delivering more consumer choice.”
-Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Doha Mekki
“After spending many years criticizing consolidation in the airline industry, JetBlue appears to have changed its tune. JetBlue has previously warned that ‘all that power in the hands of a few very deep-pocketed airlines has implications for consumers in the form of reduced options, high fares, and often poor service.’”
-Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Doha Mekki
On March 7, 2023 The Justice Department, together with Attorneys General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the State of New York, and the District of Columbia, filed a civil antitrust lawsuit to block JetBlue Airways Corporation’s (JetBlue) proposed $3.8 billion acquisition of its largest and fastest-growing ultra-low-cost rival, Spirit Airlines, Inc. (Spirit). JetBlue and Spirit compete fiercely on hundreds of routes serving millions of travelers. By eliminating that competition and further consolidating the United States airlines industry, the proposed transaction will increase fares and reduce choice on routes across the country, raising costs for the flying public and harming cost-conscious fliers most acutely.
Updated January 20, 2025
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