JetBlue has announced plans to cut 11 'underperforming' routes this summer, including several from Newark Liberty International Airport, as it shifts its focus to expanding services from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The move comes after the abrupt cessation of operations by Florida-based Spirit Airlines on 2 May, leaving a gap in the market.
Among the axed routes are Newark to Tampa, Newark to Cancun, and Newark to Punta Cana, as well as all flights from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire. Routes from Hartford, Connecticut, and Providence, Rhode Island, are also affected. A JetBlue spokesperson described the decision as 'disappointing' for many travellers but necessary to redeploy aircraft to meet customer demand in South Florida.
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport expressed its disappointment in a statement, noting that JetBlue cited a 'strategic imperative to backfill FLL capacity very quickly' as the reason for the cuts. It remains unclear whether the route suspensions are permanent.
Customers affected by the changes will be contacted directly and offered a full refund or an alternative flight with JetBlue. The airline has been contacted for further comment.
