Financial crisis; Spirit Airlines ends service to 12 cities

Citing financial troubles, budget carrier Spirit Airlines has announced it will end service to 12 U.S. cities starting October 2. This marks the company’s second bankruptcy filing this year. Spirit said low demand and economic challenges led to the decision. Flights to Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boise, Chattanooga, Oakland, Columbia, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and San Jose are being canceled, along with its planned new service to Macon, Georgia.

The airline had just emerged from bankruptcy in 2024 but filed again in August. While acknowledging “serious doubts” about its survival, Spirit insisted it will continue to operate other routes at low fares.

Other carriers are stepping in to capture Spirit’s customers. United Airlines will launch 15 new routes from January 6, while Frontier Airlines is adding 20 new routes with fares starting at $29.

Spirit said affected passengers will be notified and offered refunds.