WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 – Today, the Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) urged JetBlue Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robin Hayes to reinstate service between the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (Leahy BTV) and New York’s JFK International Airport, which accounts for 10% of all passengers flying into Burlington monthly, and to compensate all passengers impacted by JetBlue’s recently announced service termination. 

“Your decision to abruptly terminate service at Leahy BTV has the potential to harm businesses in our state and make travel for constituents between Vermont and New York significantly more difficult. The news was particularly difficult to receive on the same day your corporation announced an expansion of your transatlantic service at JFK,” wrote the Delegation. 

“This decision surprised us and many in Vermont. With advance notice, our offices may have been able to work with you and federal authorities to help prevent the need for this decision.” the Delegation continued. “…We urge you not to leave rural America behind by abandoning this essential service in places like Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport and remain willing to work with you to help address some of the circumstances that led to your decision.”

JetBlue has flown in and out of Burlington for more than two decades. On average, the Leahy BTV-JFK route accounts for 10% of all passengers flying into Burlington on a monthly basis. 

JetBlue’s service change is scheduled to begin January 4, 2024. 

The letter from the Delegation to JetBlue’s CEO Robin Hayes can be read here.