U.S. Justice Department sues to stop Spirit-JetBlue merger

U.S. Justice Department sues to stop Spirit-JetBlue merger

The merger of Miramar-based Spirit Airlines with JetBlue Airways hasn’t been cleared for takeoff – the U.S. Justice Department sued to block the proposed $3.8 billion deal, the Sun Sentinel reports.

Under terms of the buyout, Spirit would no longer be an independent company. JetBlue would absorb the carrier’s entire fleet, routes and more than 12,000 employees. That’s bad for consumers and low-cost fares, the government is contending.

The case, filed in Boston, notes Spirit’s role in lowering fares throughout the industry.

JetBlue is committed to retain and use a new headquarters being built by Spirit in Dania Beach, however.