In response to JetBlue’s recent announcement that it will relinquish the remainder of its flight slots in October, Long Beach Airport will commence the formal process of redistributing the slots via an established waiting list that already includes three major air carriers. Other certificated air carriers may also request to be added to the waiting list to participate in the allocation process.

“We have a waiting list at Long Beach Airport with multiple air carriers, and demand remains strong,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “Once air travel recovers from the COVID-19 crisis, we look forward to a strong recovery.”

A total of 17 permanent flight slots will soon be made available. The airport offers 41 permanent and 12 supplemental flight slots. Supplemental flight slots are unique in that they are subject to annual evaluation of the airport’s total noise budget.

“Our passengers cherish the boutique travel experience we offer, with ample outdoor space and an easygoing atmosphere,” said Long Beach Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “We are well-positioned to continue as an airport of choice for Southern California and we look forward to hearing from air carriers about their interest in our available flight slots.”

The three air carriers on the waiting list for permanent flight slots are – in order – Southwest Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. One slot will be offered to each of the airlines, in addition to any new entrants, in order until all the slots are allocated.Once a slot becomes available, the airport has 30 days to allocate the slot to the requesting carrier.

The airport’s 53 flight slots are currently allocated as follows (JetBlue’s 17 slots will soon be made available):