JetBlue Just Announced Big Changes to Its Route Network. Here’s What to Know.

31.07.2024 - 12:18 / afar.com

Big changes are happening at JetBlue. The Queens-based carrier recently announced it would be pausing or cutting service on two dozen routes, pulling out of seven cities entirely, expanding popular routes on the East Coast, and bringing its much-loved Mint business-class cabin to more domestic routes.

According to Seth Miller, aviation analyst and founder of aviation site PaxEx.Aero, the moves signal that JetBlue is “returning to its roots” by focusing more on markets including the East Coast, the Caribbean, and Latin America. “Ultimately, the carrier is banking on more leisure travelers continuing to choose it as their preferred airline over competitors and paying a bit more for the premium experience on board, even as the differences between airline products continue to shrink,” Miller told Afar via email.

Here’s everything we know about the latest network changes at JetBlue, including the soon-to-be-eliminated routes and what’s next on the horizon.

Among the many network adjustments being made, JetBlue is pulling out of seven airports entirely. Those include:

Of those eliminated routes, the carrier said in a statement that “JetBlue is constantly evaluating our routes to best serve our customers, return our airline to profitability, and find ways to improve our reliability.”

Withdrawing from airports means routes to those hubs will soon be gone, but they’re not the only markets being affected by JetBlue’s recent changes. In total, 15 routes will cease in Fall 2024, three will not return, and six will face seasonal suspensions. That list includes:

The airline said that any customers who have already booked tickets on the affected flights have the option of rebooking or receiving a refund.

Brand-new flights to Presque Isle will open up northern Maine to JetBlue loyalists for the first time.

Photo by Dave Hoefler/Unsplash

In better news, JetBlue is also adding a dozen routes to its roster, which, according to a press release, are strategic changes that will allow the airline to “invest and grow across New England.” The majority of the new routes connect cities in New York, Massachusetts, and Florida.

Those additions include year-round service at three new airports for JetBlue: Presque Isle International Airport (PQI) in Maine, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), and Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP). Earlier this year, the carrier announced new service to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Bonaire.

The additional routes include:

Though not new routes, JetBlue also announced it would add second daily flights from both Buffalo and Albany, New York, to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida, while Syracuse will also see an additional daily flight to Orlando.

Furthermore, all of JetBlue’s flights