JetBlue Pares Back on New London Flights as U.S.-UK Travel Restrictions Persist
Photo Credit: JetBlue will prune its London schedule in September amid continuing U.S-UK travel restrictions. Wikimedia / Adam Moreira
Skift Take
Few are surprised that JetBlue is pulling back on its initial London schedule as U.S.-UK travel restrictions persist. But that's a small concern for the airline that faces big expenses related to its new alliance with American Airlines and a still uncertain recovery outlook.
JetBlue Airways cannot wait to take travelers to London. The airline has bought new planes, developed a new cabin with posh business class seats, and worked for years to gain access to sought-after London Heathrow airport ahead of its August 11 launch.
But the one thing JetBlue could not plan for was the Covid-19 pandemic and continued UK-U.S. travel restrictions.
"We’re disappointed on the continued restrictions on travel between the U.S. and UK," said CEO Robin Hayes on JetBlue's second quarter earnings call on Tuesday. As a result, the carrier will reduce its London schedule to several days a week from daily in September, and continue to evaluate the situation on a month-to-month basis thereafter. Hayes did not say whether New York-London Gatwick flights would begin as planned on September 29.
JetBlue's response mirrors that of the travel industry: frustration in the continued restrictions. On July 26, the U.S. Travel Association re-upped its recommendation that President
