Spirit Airlines announced it will cease flights to 12 U.S. cities starting October 2, 2025, just days after filing for its second bankruptcy this year. The affected cities include Albuquerque (New Mexico), Birmingham (Alabama), Boise (Idaho), Chattanooga (Tennessee), Portland (Oregon), Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Jose (California), along with Columbia (South Carolina), Salt Lake City (Utah), and Macon (Georgia).
This decision comes as Spirit Airlines grapples with financial difficulties, leading to significant operational cutbacks. The airline"s restructuring efforts aim to stabilize its finances amid ongoing challenges in the competitive airline industry.
In contrast, United Airlines is expanding its service by adding flights to 15 new cities, including Fort Lauderdale (Florida), Orlando (Florida), Las Vegas (Nevada), Houston (Texas), and Chicago (Illinois), beginning January 6, 2026. This expansion highlights a contrasting trajectory in the airline market, as some carriers seek growth while others scale back.
The impact of Spirit"s flight discontinuation will affect numerous travelers, particularly those in the now underserved markets. As previously reported, the airline industry continues to navigate a complex landscape marked by fluctuating demand and economic pressures.
