DOJ Opposed United Newark Slot Swap

The U.S. Department of Justice is trying to block a slot swap it says will give United Airlines too much dominance at Newark Liberty International Airport. Its antitrust lawsuit challenges a deal in which United gets 24 takeoff and landing slots at Newark and Delta Air Lines gains United's slots at John F. Kennedy International Airport. United already controls 73 percent of slots at Newark, which DOJ Antitrust Division assistant attorney general Bill Baer called a “Newark premium." He added, "Airfares at Newark are among the highest in the country, while United’s service at Newark ranks among the worst. Allowing United to acquire even more slots at Newark would fortify United’s monopoly position and weaken rivals’ ability to challenge that dominance,” he said.