"JetBlue and Spirit Airlines Terminate $3.8 Billion Merger Deal Over Regulatory Issues"
JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines have called off their $3.8 billion merger after a U.S. judge blocked the deal in January due to antitrust concerns. The decision is a win for the Biden Administration, which has been tough on aviation sector tie-ups, arguing that the merger would raise ticket prices for consumers. JetBlue will pay Spirit $69 million as part of the cancellation, and without the deal, Spirit faces financial challenges, with analysts suggesting potential bankruptcy. JetBlue also faces regulatory hurdles, having recently abandoned an anticompetitive partnership with American Airlines.