Spirit Airlines to Cease Operations in 11 Cities Amid Bankruptcy Restructuring

Spirit Airlines has announced plans to discontinue service to 11 U.S. cities during the week of October 2, 2025, as part of its ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. The affected airports include Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) in New Mexico; Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) in Alabama; Boise Airport (BOI) in Idaho; Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) in Tennessee; Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) in South Carolina; Oakland International Airport (OAK), Sacramento International Airport (SMF), San Diego International Airport (SAN), San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) in California; Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon; and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah. Additionally, the airline has suspended plans to commence service at Middle Georgia Regional Airport (MCN) in Macon, Georgia, which was scheduled to begin on October 16.

These route eliminations are part of Spirit's strategy to streamline operations and focus on key markets. Chief Financial Officer Fred Cromer stated that the airline is redesigning its network to concentrate on its strongest-performing routes, aiming to provide more destinations, increased frequencies, and enhanced connectivity in certain focus cities.

The 12 airports affected by these cuts represent approximately 3.9% of Spirit's total seat capacity for October, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) will experience the most significant impact, losing eight nonstop routes, while Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) will see a reduction of four routes.

This decision follows Spirit's recent filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, marking its second such filing in less than a year. The airline plans to reduce its fleet size and cut costs in an effort to return to profitability. Passengers with bookings on the affected routes are entitled to refunds under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.