JetBlue Announces 11 News Routes To Cover Demand After Spirit Closure

Following Spirit Airlines’ dramatic sudden closure, JetBlue Airways has announced 11 new routes for customers traveling out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

JetBlue stated in a press release that, starting in July, it will “pick up some of Spirit’s lost service” at FLL. The South Florida-based airport was Spirit’s base before the airline abruptly shuttered on May 2, ceasing operations and flights. JetBlue announced the new routes that same day, with all 11 operating as nonstop flights to FLL.

When service begins, some of the new routes will depart from airports JetBlue currently does not operate in. The carrier will be flying from those airports to Fort Lauderdale up to three times daily. Those flight hubs that the carrier is entering are:

• Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport (CLO) in Cali, Colombia
• Ernesto Cortissoz Barranquilla International Airport (BAQ) in Barranquilla, Colombia
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in Baltimore, Maryland, USA
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Columbus, Ohio, USA
• and Indianapolis International Airport (IND) in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Additionally, five U.S.-based airports where the carrier already operates are adding up to three new daily nonstop routes to FLL. Those airports are:

• Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago, Illinois,
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in Detroit, Michigan
• Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas
• Mercedita International Airport (PSE) in Ponce, Puerto Rico
• and Nashville International Airport (BNA) in Nashville, Tennessee

Many of the new routes will begin on July 9, though some will launch later in fall 2026.

On May 4, JetBlue also announced that eligible Spirit Airlines Free Spirit Silver and Gold members can, via its website and app, “request a status match to JetBlue’s TrueBlue Mosaic program.” JetBlue is only offering the loyalty-matching incentive to Spirit’s frequent flyers until May 31. If approved for the switch, customers will become JetBlue Mosaic 1 or 2 status members for an initial three months. Afterwards, they’ll have the chance to extend their status “through the end of the next calendar year.”

What Else Is There To Know About Spirit Airlines’ Closure?

Several U.S. carriers are offering “rescue fares” to Spirit Airlines’ abandoned or stranded customers so they can rebook their canceled flights. However, it’s important to consider several factors before booking an alternative flight. Automatically selecting a “rescue fare” doesn’t guarantee you’re making the most cost-saving choice.

It’s smart to compare rescue fare offers to find the best one for you. Consider which carrier has the route availability that best fits your schedule, especially if you have a planned layover. Also factor in your airline loyalty perks (if you have any from a particular carrier), associated baggage allowances and costs for each ticket. The goal is to book the cheapest total airfare for your alternative flight versus what might appear to be an affordable rescue fare.

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