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JetBlue Airways is weighing legal action against Portugal, saying the country has unfairly limited US flights into Lisbon, its busiest international airport.

The airline claims its requests for landing slots have been repeatedly denied since 2023, raising concerns about equal treatment under international air travel agreements.

In a filing submitted to the US Department of Transportation on Aug. 28, JetBlue said Portugal should not enjoy the same unrestricted access to the United States that European airlines currently receive if it cannot provide similar opportunities to American carriers.

"Airport slot requests to land there have been repeatedly rejected," JetBlue stated in the filing.

According to Billboard, the Long Island City-based airline's comments were part of a wider debate involving American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines about the US "open skies" policy with Europe.

JetBlue argued that Lisbon's limited access runs counter to the spirit of that agreement, which is meant to allow free and fair competition.

Lisbon's case echoes earlier disputes involving other European airports. In Amsterdam, for example, the Dutch government attempted to cap annual flights at Schiphol Airport, but later reversed the plan under pressure from US carriers.

A similar situation has also played out in Dublin, where US airlines pushed back against restrictions.

JetBlue Ends TAP Air Portugal Partnership Amid Flight Disputes

The US has raised concerns outside Europe as well. Mexico has been accused of limiting access to major airports, another point of tension in international aviation.

JetBlue pointed out that Lisbon has one of the lowest shares of US carriers among major European airports, at just 33%. That figure falls well below the average of 45% across Europe, Stocktwits said.

The dispute also comes as JetBlue repositions its partnerships in Europe. Last month, the airline ended its short-lived alliance with TAP Air Portugal.

While the partnership is winding down, JetBlue customers can still use TrueBlue points to book flights on TAP through September 30.

JetBlue's frustration over Lisbon reflects broader challenges facing US carriers trying to expand in Europe's competitive market.

Access to key airports often comes down to slot allocation, which can heavily favor established European airlines.

By signaling potential legal action, JetBlue is seeking leverage to secure better access to Portugal's main gateway.

Despite turbulence in Europe, JetBlue's stock performance has shown mixed signals.

Shares are down nearly 34% this year but have gained almost 19% in the past month, boosted by US approval of its Blue Sky partnership with United Airlines.