American Airlines Ends Collaboration with JetBlue, Appeals Court Ruling

American Airlines is reducing its operations in New York, including dropping routes from LaGuardia to Kansas City and Houston Intercontinental, despite receiving slots back from JetBlue. The airline's departures from LaGuardia have decreased by 13%, and the reduction in flying is attributed to both air traffic control staffing shortages and the absence of a partnership with JetBlue. American Airlines previously used its New York gates and slots to serve smaller markets and run a boutique operation to key destinations. The Biden administration's reversal of the JetBlue partnership deal has left American Airlines without a New York strategy. There is speculation that American may be leasing slots to Spirit Airlines, which is expanding at LaGuardia. American Airlines has filed an appeal against the Justice Department's decision to break up the partnership, potentially seeking a determination on whether JetBlue owes them a breakup fee.