Supreme Court rejects American Airlines' deal with JetBlue

On June 30, 2025, the United States Supreme Court decided not to take up the partnership case between American Airlines and JetBlue. This partnership aimed to combine operations at several major airports in the Northeast, including New York's LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International Airports, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Boston's Logan International Airport. The initiative faced significant opposition from the Justice Department, which claimed that the merger would result in reduced competition in the airline industry and adversely affect consumers by potentially increasing fares. As part of this ongoing litigation, the Justice Department prompted the Supreme Court to disregard American Airlines' appeal, indicating that the lower court's decision was in line with established antitrust principles. Justice Brett Kavanaugh expressed his dissent towards the court's refusal to review, suggesting differing views among the justices about the implications of such partnerships. Despite American Airlines' legal fight, JetBlue chose not to join in this particular appeal and is now facing legal action from American Airlines under the terms of their existing contract. The rejection of this partnership highlights the ongoing scrutiny of airline mergers and collaborations as regulators emphasize protecting consumer interests in a sector where competition can significantly influence pricing and service quality.