The Department of Justice (DOJ) of the United States has reportedly filed an antitrust lawsuit against JetBlue in the District of Massachusetts to block Spirit Airlines’ $3.8 billion takeover bid.
Briefing the media on the development, Attorney General, Merrick Garland said, “The DOJ says in its complaint that, “the merger of JetBlue and Spirit would result in higher fares and fewer choices for tens of millions of travelers, with the greatest impact felt by those who rely on ultra-low-cost carriers to fly.”
“The proposed transaction will increase fares and reduce choice on routes across the country, raising costs for the flying public and harming cost-conscious fliers most acutely,” he added.
Further talking about the merger, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said, “JetBlue’s acquisition of Spirit would hurt cost-conscious travelers, and ultra-low-cost carriers enable more Americans to travel, so they can enjoy a family vacation, celebrate, or mourn together. We allege that the proposed merger would result in fewer seats and higher prices for travelers.”
