ISLIP, NY – JetBlue Airways has unexpectedly canceled its planned nonstop service between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) in Islip, New York – just days before the route was set to launch. The decision marks a setback for MacArthur Airport, which had touted the new route as a step forward in expanding its commercial offerings and connectivity to major hubs.
The route was initially announced in January 2024 as part of JetBlue’s seasonal expansion for the summer. The airline had scheduled daily nonstop flights between Boston and Islip, slated to begin in early May 2025. However, the plans were quietly dropped before a single passenger could board.
According to a report from Long Island Business News (LIBN), JetBlue pulled the plug on the route primarily due to “softer-than-expected bookings,” as well as broader concerns over economic headwinds and demand volatility in the U.S. travel market.
JetBlue confirmed the cancellation in a brief statement, saying that adjustments are sometimes needed based on operational considerations and evolving demand.
Town of Islip officials, who oversee the operations at MacArthur Airport, expressed disappointment but acknowledged that airlines often make route decisions based on real-time market analysis. A spokesperson from the Town told News 12 Long Island that the airline had cited “economic uncertainty” and a slower-than-anticipated pace of bookings as their rationale.
While the Boston-Islip route has been removed, JetBlue has not indicated whether other services to or from MacArthur Airport might be affected. The airline still operates seasonal routes to Florida from ISP, which remain intact for the time being.
JetBlue’s reversal comes amid mounting financial pressures on the airline industry. Fuel costs have remained high, and inflation has impacted discretionary travel budgets for many consumers. JetBlue itself has faced internal restructuring after its failed merger with Spirit Airlines earlier in 2025, which further strained the company’s strategic focus and route planning.
In this context, airlines are closely monitoring the performance of new routes and are more inclined to cut underperforming or risky launches. As Patch Sachem noted in its coverage, JetBlue’s decision reflects a cautious approach to avoid absorbing early-stage losses during a period of economic flux.
The abrupt change left some travelers scrambling for alternatives. Although JetBlue offered full refunds and communicated directly with ticketed passengers, the timing—just two days before the inaugural flight – sparked frustration among some Long Island travelers.
Online discussions on platforms like Reddit revealed that many noticed the route quietly disappearing from JetBlue’s booking system in mid-April. Some users shared direct confirmations from JetBlue customer service that the route had been terminated, prompting further speculation about the airline’s confidence in the Islip–Boston market.
