JetBlue will discontinue its seasonal, non-stop service between New York (JFK) and Amsterdam (AMS) in March, citing poor performance and rising airport costs. This decision marks a shift in the airline’s transatlantic strategy, with a greater emphasis on flights originating from Boston (BOS). The move reflects a broader trend among carriers to consolidate routes and optimize for profitability amid increasing operational expenses.
European Network Restructuring
JetBlue’s European operations are now heavily weighted toward Boston. The airline will automatically rebook passengers previously scheduled for the JFK-Amsterdam route onto its year-round Boston-Amsterdam service.
Currently, JetBlue flies to the following European destinations:
- From Boston (Year-Round): Amsterdam (AMS), London Heathrow (LHR), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
- From Boston (Seasonal): Barcelona (BCN), Dublin (DUB), Edinburgh (EDI), Madrid (MAD), Milan (MXP), London Gatwick (LGW)
- From JFK (Year-Round): London (twice daily), Paris
- From JFK (Seasonal): Dublin, Edinburgh
This focus on Boston is intentional; both new summer 2026 routes – Milan and Barcelona – will launch exclusively from BOS, aligning with the Madrid service launched in 2025.
Growth Plateau and Future Expansion
JetBlue’s rapid European expansion, which began in 2021, is nearing a pause. The airline has no new transatlantic-capable aircraft scheduled for delivery until 2030. As JetBlue President Marty St. George stated, the Milan and Barcelona additions represent the final new routes “for a while.”
However, the carrier remains interested in Lisbon, Portugal. JetBlue previously secured landing permissions at Lisbon Airport but faced an unusable time slot. CEO Joanna Geraghty confirmed the airline is still actively pursuing access. The Lisbon route is a clear strategic goal, but depends on securing more favorable airport access.
New Lounge Access at JFK
JetBlue has opened its premium lounge, BlueHouse, at JFK Terminal 5. Mint cabin passengers flying to Europe, Mosaic 4 members, and premium credit card holders gain access. A second BlueHouse location is planned for Boston in 2026. These lounges are a key component of JetBlue’s effort to elevate the premium travel experience and compete with legacy carriers.
The decision to cut the New York-Amsterdam route, coupled with the focus on Boston, signals a pragmatic adjustment to market conditions. JetBlue is prioritizing profitability and efficiency in its European network, while maintaining a long-term interest in further expansion when feasible.
