JetBlue has submitted a formal proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) at Watertown International Airport in Watertown, New York.
The carrier is seeking to launch once-daily, year-round service to New York-JFK using its 140-seat Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
According to the filing published Thursday, JetBlue is requesting a federal subsidy of $8.3 million for the first year and $8.5 million for the second year of service. The airline states that the proposed route would offer the only direct connection — by air, bus, or train — between Watertown and New York City.
If approved, JetBlue plans to operate morning departures from Watertown to JFK and evening returns. The airline notes this schedule is intended to provide convenience for both local residents and inbound travelers, including same-day round-trip options for business or leisure.
The airline points to its current EAS operation between Presque Isle, Maine, and Boston — launched in September 2024 — as evidence of its reliability, citing a 99% completion factor. The Watertown proposal would also increase daily seat capacity compared to the market’s current EAS offering.
American currently serves Watertown with Embraer E145 flights to Philadelphia.
Competing With American
American has also submitted a proposal to continue serving Watertown under the EAS program, offering 12 weekly roundtrips to Philadelphia using 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft. American is seeking an annual subsidy of approximately $4.37 million in the first year and $4.59 million in the second year.
JetBlue currently serves eight airports in New York State. If selected, the Watertown route would expand its presence in upstate New York and increase its EAS footprint.
The U.S. Department of Transportation will evaluate both proposals and determine which carrier will be awarded the EAS contract for Watertown beginning next year.
