JetBlue Blocked From Purchasing Spirit Airline

By M. C. Millman

A federal judge blocked JetBlue Airways from buying Spirit Airlines for $3.8 billion, agreeing with the Justice Department, which sued to block the merger, saying the merger would drive up fares.

“We continue to believe that our combination is the best opportunity to increase much-needed competition and choice by bringing low fares and great service to more customers in more markets,” JetBlue said in a statement released after the verdict.

JetBlue is considering whether to appeal the case, which was first reported by Rockland Daily here, arguing that it needs the deal to compete better against larger U.S. air travel rivals.