United Airlines announces return to JFK through partnership with JetBlue

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United Airlines announces return to JFK through partnership with JetBlue

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Scott Kirby CEO of United Airlines | United Airlines Website

By Sky Industry News

Jun 9, 2025

United Airlines has announced a new partnership with JetBlue, marking its return to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) after more than two decades of absence. This move comes as United seeks to address issues related to congestion and air traffic control at its primary New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

Historically, United's operations in New York have been concentrated at Newark, with some flights from LaGuardia. By 2022, United had reduced its presence at JFK to just four daily flights before discontinuing them on October 29, 2022. This decision followed years of lobbying for additional slots at JFK without success.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded by stating it was "doing its part" to increase capacity and ensure fair competition among airlines. Despite this assurance, United emphasized the temporary nature of its withdrawal from JFK, expressing a desire for a larger schedule once opportunities arise.

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In March 2012, following a merger with Continental Airlines, United consolidated its New York operations at Newark. The merger significantly increased United's departures from Newark but also led to operational challenges due to congestion and ATC issues.

To mitigate these problems, United plans to leverage JetBlue's market share at JFK through an agreement allowing up to seven new daily round-trip flights starting in 2027. Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue, commented on the partnership: “United’s global reach perfectly complements JetBlue’s East Coast leisure network.”

Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, acknowledged the short-term difficulties posed by congestion at Newark but expressed optimism about long-term improvements: “This is short term painful for us at Newark... but it’s long term better.”

The financial implications of these operational challenges have been significant for United. Seaport Research Partners reported that 16.5% of United's departures operate through Newark and revised their earnings forecast downward by 10% due to these issues.

As the airline prepares for its return to JFK in collaboration with JetBlue, it aims to diversify its operations in New York and reduce the impact of disruptions at Newark on its revenue streams.