JetBlue Threatens Legal Action Against Portugal Over Blocked Flights to Lisbon
JetBlue Airways has raised alarms in the international aviation sector by announcing it may take legal action against Portugal. The reason: repeated refusals to grant landing permits at Humberto Delgado Airport, the country’s main gateway. According to the Long Island-based airline, slot requests to operate in Lisbon have been systematically denied since 2023.
Clash with “Open Skies” Policy
JetBlue’s complaint was formalized in a filing with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), responding to statements from American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines regarding Open Skies agreements with Europe. The airline argues that Portugal benefits from unrestricted access to the U.S. market while blocking American competitors in its own territory.
JetBlue contends that this imbalance contradicts the spirit of the bilateral policy. “There can be no reciprocity if airlines from one country are prevented from flying freely to the other,” was the core message of its warning.
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A Recurring Pattern in Europe
The situation in Portugal echoes similar episodes in other European countries. In Amsterdam and Dublin, authorities attempted to limit the number of annual operations, sparking confrontations with U.S. carriers. Ultimately, the Dutch government reversed its plan to reduce capacity at Schiphol Airport, yielding to pressure from Washington and the industry.
Lisbon, however, maintains restrictions that JetBlue considers arbitrary and discriminatory.
Among all major European airports, the Portuguese capital has the third-lowest share of U.S. airline operations, at just 33%, compared to a regional average of 45%.
What’s at Stake
The standoff between JetBlue and Portugal highlights growing tensions in international aviation. Beyond the immediate dispute, the airline aims to spark a broader debate about fairness in accessing strategic markets. If not addressed, it warns, Open Skies agreements risk losing their legitimacy.
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