NEW YORK- The US carrier JetBlue (B6) Airways is calling on the U.S. Department of Transportation to prohibit Royal Dutch KLM (KL) from operating at New York (JFK) Airport in the event that JetBlue is unable to maintain its flights to and from Schiphol.
The American budget airline is reiterating its opposition to the proposed reduction of operations planned by the Dutch government at Schiphol Airport.
JetBlue Wants Ban on KLM Flights
JetBlue is concerned that it may lose its airport slots due to decreased flight movements.
The company had previously appealed to the U.S. government in Washington to respond to a potential ban at Schiphol by reducing KLM’s access at American airports.
In a recent letter, JetBlue explicitly advocates for a complete prohibition on KLM’s operations to and from JFK, John F. Kennedy International Airport.
This would be a “proportional” response, according to JetBlue. The airline also suggests that the U.S. government could explore temporarily revoking specific exemptions for KLM and the broader airline alliance to which KLM belongs.
Amsterdam Schiphol Aiport Downsizing Plans
JetBlue, which commenced operations between Schiphol and the United States as recently as August, is apprehensive about the downsizing plans proposed for Amsterdam’s airport.
The Dutch government aims to reduce the number of flight movements from 500,000 to 460,000 by April.
JetBlue has gleaned from discussions with the Dutch slot coordinator that its newly acquired take-off and landing rights are at risk of being revoked.
Nevertheless, JetBlue highlights that the United States has legislation enabling the government to respond to the perceived unfair treatment of U.S. airlines.
JetBlue’s proposal also includes the possibility of KLM reallocating a portion of its own Schiphol landing rights to JetBlue for the upcoming summer season, thereby enabling JetBlue to sustain its operations at Schiphol.
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