Days after JetBlue announced that it would eliminate its popular, twice-daily route between Burlington and New York City beginning in January, Vermont’s congressional delegation penned a letter to the corporation’s CEO denouncing the move.
U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Peter Welch, D-Vt., as well as U.S. Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., wrote to JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes that the airline’s decision to end service to Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport “surprised us and many in Vermont.”
In total, passengers on JetBlue flights to or from John F. Kennedy International Airport account for roughly 10% of the Burlington airport’s customer base each month. Separately, Delta Airlines confirmed last week that it would scale back its flights between Burlington and two New York City hubs: JFK and LaGuardia Airport.
The delegation wrote that JetBlue’s decision to “abruptly terminate” service to Vermont’s largest airport “has the potential to harm businesses in our state and make travel for constituents between Vermont and New York significantly more difficult.”
“The news was particularly difficult to receive on the same day your corporation announced an expansion of your transatlantic service at JFK,” the delegation wrote, adding that JetBlue received nearly $1 billion in emergency federal funding at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Vermonters and U.S. taxpayers stepped up to support the airline industry because we understand it is essential to connecting the world in our modern economy,” Sanders, Welch and Balint wrote.
JetBlue’s decision was a surprise not only to the congressional delegation but to the Burlington airport, as well, according to airport spokesperson Jeff Bartley. Asked what notice JetBlue offered airport leadership ahead of last week’s announcement, he replied, “none.”
The airport has since received hundreds of phone calls from customers seeking refunds for now-canceled flights and looking to reschedule, he said.
JetBlue did not respond to VTDigger’s request for comment on Monday.
In Monday’s letter, the delegation said the company should immediately reimburse customers for their now-canceled flights. The members of Congress also urged the corporation to reinstate the route.
“We urge you not to leave rural America behind by abandoning this essential service in places like Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport and remain willing to work with you to help address some of the circumstances that led to your decision,” the delegation wrote.
