Spirit Airlines has announced plans to furlough around 1,800 flight attendants as part of its ongoing efforts to recover from financial troubles and restructure its business.
The move comes after the budget carrier filed for bankruptcy twice this year and began making sharp cuts to its operations.
In a statement on Monday, Spirit confirmed that about one-third of its 5,200 flight attendants would be affected. The layoffs are expected to take effect on December 1, 2025.
"As part of our ongoing restructuring, we are taking steps to align staffing with our fleet size and expected flight volume," Spirit said in a statement.
"We have made the difficult decision to furlough approximately 1,800 Flight Attendants."
According to CBS News, this decision follows earlier announcements that Spirit will reduce its flight capacity by 25% in November. Company leaders say that fewer planes in the air mean fewer crew members are needed.
Chief Operating Officer John Bendoraitis shared a memo with flight attendants on Monday, explaining that the airline had already offered voluntary leaves to help avoid job losses, but that option has now been stretched to its limit.
"There is a limit to how many people can volunteer for these types of leave, and we have reached that mark," Bendoraitis wrote.
Spirit Airlines to furlough 1,800 flight attendants amid second bankruptcy https://t.co/dQQiJRRl1y pic.twitter.com/WEdmFj8v4P
— The Independent (@Independent) September 23, 2025
AFA Helps Spirit Flight Attendants Find New Airline Jobs
According to the flight attendants' union, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), those who choose voluntary furloughs of six or twelve months will keep their medical benefits.
The union also said it's working with other airlines to help affected members find new opportunities.
While Spirit is offering voluntary furloughs first, the union confirmed that involuntary furloughs will still happen, starting in December.
Meanwhile, Spirit is also under pressure to cut costs with its pilots. The company told their union that it needs to find $100 million in savings from pilot-related expenses, CNBC reported.
Talks with the Air Line Pilots Association are ongoing, with a goal to reach an agreement by October 1.
CEO Dave Davis previously warned employees that major cuts were likely, saying the company had no choice if it wanted to stabilize its business and move forward.
"These are the tough calls we must make to emerge stronger," Davis said in an earlier memo.
Spirit Airlines blames the downturn in domestic leisure travel for its financial crisis.
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