During the COVID-19 pandemic, JetBlue, Spirit, and Delta Airlines submitted requests to the U.S. Department of Transportation seeking permission to suspend flights to dozens of airports, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The airlines cited historically low passenger demand, with some flights carrying as few as two passengers on 162-seat aircraft, making continued service financially unsustainable. The requests were part of a broader industry effort to reduce operations despite minimum service requirements tied to CARES Act funding.Open full document
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Delta, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines submitted requests to the U.S. Transportation Department to suspend flights to multiple airports due to historically low travel demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. JetBlue sought to suspend flights to 16 airports through September 30, citing flights with as few as two passengers on 162-seat aircraft. Spirit Airlines requested suspension of flights to six airports, arguing continued service wasted scarce financial resources during a period of near-zero demand.