The U.S. Department of Transportation is reassigning 16 peak afternoon and evening runway times previously held by Southwest Airlines at Newark Liberty International Airport, according to a Feb. 25 news release.

The department is requesting applications from U.S. low-cost or ultra-low-cost carriers. If no eligible airline is able to fill all 16 slots, the department will consider airlines that would only be able to fill in some of the 16 slots. The reassignment is designed to increase competition in the airline industry.

“This decision to open up access at Newark means lower fares and more choices for the traveling public,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to promoting competition, lowering costs for Americans and protecting consumer choice, which is exactly what this step will help do.”

This action was spurred by President Biden's Executive Order that called for the promotion of competition in various sectors of the American economy, including airlines.