
Spirit Airlines is cutting back on routes as it faces growing financial challenges.
Just days after filing for its second bankruptcy in under a year, the Florida-based airline revealed it will cut service to 12 cities starting October 2.
Starting October 2, Spirit will withdraw from several markets, including Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boise, Chattanooga, Columbia, Oakland, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and San Jose.
According to CBS News, Spirit also confirmed it has canceled plans to launch flights from Macon, Georgia, which were originally set to begin October 16.
A company spokesperson acknowledged the impact on travelers, saying, "We apologize to our Guests for any inconvenience this may cause and will reach out to those with affected reservations to notify them of their options, including a refund."
This latest move highlights the airline's effort to shed money-losing routes as it navigates another Chapter 11 restructuring.
Spirit first filed for bankruptcy in November 2024, blaming higher operating costs and growing debt.
It briefly emerged from court supervision in March, but by August it was forced to file again after reporting a $245.8 million quarterly loss and admitting "substantial doubt" about its ability to keep operating.
✈️Spirit Airlines axes flights in 12 cities as it fights for survival while United, other airlines circle
— DailyJobCuts . com - Layoffs / Job / Economy News (@dailyjobcuts) September 4, 2025
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Spirit Airlines Vows to Keep Flying Amid Restructuring
Despite those warnings, Spirit has said it will continue flying and selling tickets as it works through restructuring.
The company has tried to improve its finances with cost-cutting measures, such as selling spare engines and furloughing pilots, but weak demand for domestic leisure travel has made recovery difficult.
The retreat from certain airports has also created opportunities for competitors.
United Airlines shared plans to add flights to 15 cities beginning in January, aiming to offer travelers more options in case Spirit reduces its routes further.
"If Spirit suddenly goes out of business it will be incredibly disruptive, so we're adding these flights to give their customers other options," said Patrick Quayle, United's senior vice president of global network planning, FoxBusiness reported.
Frontier Airlines, another low-cost carrier, is also stepping in to cover some of the routes being cut.
The Denver-based airline said it will launch 20 new routes from hubs like Detroit, Houston, Baltimore, and Fort Lauderdale, with fares starting as low as $29.
A spokesperson stressed that Spirit is "focused on competing and running a great operation" and intends to serve customers "for many years to come."
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