LaGuardia International Airport Terminal A for JetBlue and Spirit Airlines in New York.
A federal judge blocked JetBlue Airways ' purchase of budget rival Spirit Airlines after the Justice Department sued to stop the merger, alleging it would drive up fares for some of the most price-sensitive consumers.
"JetBlue plans to convert Spirit's planes to the JetBlue layout and charge JetBlue's higher average fares to its customers," U.S. District Court Judge William Young wrote in his decision.
"The elimination of Spirit would harm cost-conscious travelers who rely on Spirit's low fares."
Spirit shares plunged after the ruling and were down more than 50%, while JetBlue's stock gained about 5%.
Persons:
JetBlue's, William Young
Organizations:
LaGuardia, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Justice Department, DOJ
Locations:
New York, Delta, U.S