From runway improvements at San Francisco International Airport to expanded biometric technology at Delta hubs, recent developments are shaping the travel landscape for 2024. Travelers should also be aware of the U.S. District Court's ruling against JetBlue's acquisition of Spirit Airlines, which marks a significant moment in the airline industry.
Stay informed about these updates to better plan your travel experience and navigate potential impacts at airports or with airlines.
San Francisco International Airport Runway Closure
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) advised travelers to expect delays for the next several months during a planned runway closure.
As of January 16, Runway 28 Left is closed for a taxiway improvement project, making it easier and safer for aircraft to exit runways after landing by realigning two taxiways, which will be reconstructed as separate, non-intersecting paths. All arriving flights will instead use Runway 28 Right for approximately the next five months.
The closure is expected to last until July 1, just before the Independence Day weekend and the peak of the summer travel season. SFO anticipates that the closure will reduce the airport’s overall runway capacity, potentially causing delays.
The airport estimates that about one-third of flights could face delays ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, especially during peak times, and are expected to affect both domestic and international flights. SFO is collaborating with airlines and the FAA to adjust flight schedules and minimize the impact of this closure.
District Court Blocks JetBlue’s Acquisition of Spirit Airlines
On January 16, the U.S. District Court blocked JetBlue Airways’ $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines. The court found that JetBlue’s proposed takeover of Spirit violated the antitrust law which protects the United States market from anti-competitive harm. The court’s decision followed a 17-day trial that began in October 2023.
In March 2023, the U.S. Justice Department, California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and the District of Columbia sued to stop the merger under Section 7 of the Clayton Act.
“Today’s ruling is a victory for tens of millions of travelers who would have faced higher fares and fewer choices had the proposed merger between JetBlue and Spirit been allowed to move forward,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.
Delta Expands Digital ID Program
Digital ID, Delta’s new time-saving technology, is growing its presence with expansion to three major hubs: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Debuted in 2021 at the airline’s Detroit and Atlanta hubs, Delta Digital ID provides customers with a seamless, hands-free way to navigate the airport without showing a physical government ID.
The industry-leading system, developed in close partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), uses biometric facial matching to eliminate the need for an agent-facilitated document check, allowing customers to move through bag drop and security checkpoints with more convenience.
