"Judge's Ruling Blocks JetBlue's Acquisition of Spirit Airlines, Sending Shares Plunging"

A federal judge has blocked JetBlue's $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines, citing concerns that the deal would reduce competition and harm consumers. The ruling was hailed as a victory for travelers by Attorney General Merrick Garland, who emphasized the potential negative impact on fares and choices. The Justice Department and several states had filed a civil antitrust lawsuit to stop the acquisition, highlighting Spirit's low-cost pricing model and its influence on air travel accessibility. This decision follows a previous block on JetBlue's attempt to merge its operations with American Airlines.