A JetBlue flight takes off from BTV in September 2019. VermontBiz photo.
Vermont Business Magazine In response to the news JetBlue will no longer be providing their one route from Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, Nic Longo, Director of Aviation issued the following statement:
“We are disappointed to learn the news JetBlue Airways will be discontinuing their one route to New York-JFK. Our relationship with JetBlue goes back more than two decades and the airline averaged 10% of Leahy BTV passengers on a monthly basis.
"Passengers will still be able to fly from Burlington to New York-JFK via Delta Air Lines, and we will work with our partners United, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines to expand services with this opportunity opening up. We are also in active talks with a handful of new airline partners to establish new routes and destinations in order to continue our growth and to meet growing passenger demands, and look forward to potential announcements in the near future.”
Because of the FAA's decision on slot waivers, JetBlue cut its twice-daily service to JFK entirely and Delta will reduce its service from BTV to JFK from three flights a day to one and to Laguardia from four a day to two.
With slot waivers extended until October 2024, JetBlue and Delta can cut back flights without losing their coveted New York slots. JFK has been the most restricted airport in the US, to the extent that United previously gave up its slots because of restrictions.
The FAA extended the slot waiver through October 2024, primarily due to air traffic controller shortages in the Northeast, thus allowing airlines to reduce routes without losing slots. Along with BTV, Delta is reducing the number of flights to Bangor, ME; Norfolk, VA; and Syracuse, NY.
Earlier today, JetBlue Airways issued the following statement:
“Given ongoing air traffic control staffing challenges and the resulting slot waiver for airlines to reduce congestion in New York airspace, and as we return slots to American Airlines as we unwind the Northeast Alliance, we are suspending a number of routes in JFK. These changes will include ending service between JFK-BTV and closing our Burlington BlueCity. Exiting a market is a difficult decision, however we expect the current air traffic controller shortage to last for some time and do not see a path to feasibly bringing back this flight. We were privileged to have served the people of Vermont and appreciate the community’s support over the years.
"The last day of service will be January 4, 2024. Impacted customers will be automatically refunded to their original payment method.“
About Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport: ( Leahy BTV) is northern New England’s most convenient and welcoming airport. Located adjacent to Burlington Vermont, Leahy BTV is just ten minutes from Lake Champlain. Business and leisure travelers alike appreciate Leahy BTV’s friendliness and direct flights to: Atlanta (ATL) via Delta, Charlotte (CLT) via American Airlines, Chicago (ORD) via United or American Airlines, Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) via American Airlines, Denver (DEN) via United, Detroit (DTW) via Delta, Miami (MIA) via American Airlines, New York City (JFK, LGA, EWR) via United, JetBlue, or Delta, Philadelphia (PHL) via American Airlines, Washington DC (IAD) via United and Washington DC (DCA) American Airlines, and now Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) via Sun Country Airlines and Delta. Book your getaway today at www.flybtv.com.
Source: 10.25.2023. Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport. www.btv.aero
