ODENTON, MD — JetBlue Airways announced Saturday that it was expanding its list of flight service to BWI Marshall Airport, a move that came the same day Spirit Airlines confirmed it was ceasing operations effective immediately.
The new service will include daily nonstop flights to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as well as Puerto Rico's San Juan.
While the Florida flights take effect July 9, travelers won't be able to take advantage of the San Juan flights until Nov. 2, according to the airline.
“We are thrilled to welcome JetBlue, which means more convenience and more access to key travel destinations,” said Shannetta Griffin, executive director and CEO of BWI Marshall Airport.
“We remain committed to working with airlines to strengthen and expand air service opportunities. At BWI Marshall Airport, we look forward to a successful partnership with JetBlue to benefit our passengers and the region.”
Incidentally, both flight destinations were previously provided by the now-defunct Spirit Airlines.
After more than 30 years, Spirit Airlines announced that it would be ending all of its operations effective immediately on Saturday, canceling flights and cutting its customer services.
The discount airline had informed travelers that some customers could anticipate refunds, but that there would be no help in booking flights on other airlines.
In response, competitor airlines trickled in to assist travelers attempting to map out their backup flight plans.
JetBlue announced it would be launching $99 rescue fares for those who had immediate travel already booked, and that it would be extending its jumpseat agreement for stranded Spirit pilots and flight attendants.
“This is really tough news for the thousands of Spirit team members affected, as well as the customers who were planning trips on Spirit,” said Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue chief executive officer. “We got to know many of their crewmembers during our acquisition talks, and we’re thinking about everyone whose lives are being disrupted. We want to help fill the void created by this loss.”
Also jumping in to assist travelers was United Airlines, which announced that it would be offering "price-capped, one-way tickets from most cities where Spirit flew" for the next two weeks for individuals who had their flights canceled.
United said that the majority of its fares were capped at $199, with longer flights maxed at $299. Travelers interested in taking advantage of the deal must provide the following details through their online portal:
Related: Spirit Airlines To End Operations, Cancels All Flights
The weekend announcement marked the conclusion of about two weeks' worth of talks on a possible rescue plan for the airliner, including a government bailout proposed by the Donald Trump administration. However, a sufficient deal was never reached.
Recent financial hardships endured by Spirit date back to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline filed for bankruptcy protection twice, once in November 2024 and again in August 2025.
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