Judge Blocks JetBlue-Spirit Merger

A federal judge Tuesday blocked JetBlue’s bid to acquire Spirit Airlines, ruling that the deal would increase fares and harm price-sensitive consumers.

The proposed $3.8 billion deal, which would have integrated Spirit into the JetBlue brand, was nixed by a U.S. District Court judge in Boston following a trial last fall in which the airlines argued with federal regulators over the legality of the proposed merger.

“JetBlue plans to convert Spirit’s planes to the JetBlue layout and charge JetBlue’s higher average fares to its customers,” U.S. District Court Judge William Young wrote. “The elimination of Spirit would harm cost-conscious travelers who rely on Spirit’s low fares.”

The decision represents a major win for the U.S. Justice Department, which sued to halt the agreement in March 2023 over antitrust concerns. Federal regulators have been particularly vigilant about enforcing antitrust laws under President Joe Biden.

“Today’s ruling is a victory for tens of millions of travelers who would have faced higher fares and fewer choices had the proposed merger betw