JetBlue Prepares for Decision on Spirit Merger as DOJ Review Is Almost Done

Airlines expect decision on antitrust action in next few weeks
CEO Robin Hayes says travel demand isn’t slowing into summer

JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes says a merger with Spirit Airlines would be good for customers and the cities they serve. Source: Bloomberg

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By Mary Schlangenstein

February 17, 2023 at 4:07 PM UTC

Updated on

February 17, 2023 at 6:23 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

JetBlue Airways Corp. is preparing for a possible lawsuit from the US Justice Department seeking to block the carrier’s merger with Spirit Airlines Inc.

While antitrust authorities haven’t yet revealed whether they plan to take action to prevent the deal, JetBlue Chief Executive Officer Robin Hayes said the company’s legal team is ready to fight back if necessary. A decision is expected to come in the next few weeks.