— Spirit Airlines said it will end scheduled service in a dozen cities effective Oct. 2 and cancel a planned October launch in Macon, Georgia, as the budget carrier restructures under bankruptcy; rival carriers including United and Frontier have announced new routes to serve affected travelers.
Key Takeaways
- Spirit will suspend flights to multiple domestic markets effective Oct. 2 and will not begin a planned Macon, Georgia service set for Oct. 16.
- The carrier has twice sought bankruptcy protection in the past year, first in November 2024 and again in August 2025.
- Spirit cited weak domestic leisure demand, adverse market conditions and rising costs in warning it had “substantial doubt” about its ability to continue.
- United said it will add flights to 15 cities beginning Jan. 6 to provide options for displaced Spirit customers.
- Frontier announced 20 new routes from several hubs, with introductory fares in the $29 to $89 range.
- Spirit told customers with affected reservations they will be contacted with options, including refunds.
Verified Facts
Spirit confirmed to CBS News that it will exit service in markets with changes effective Oct. 2 and will not launch the Macon route slated for Oct. 16. Company communications indicate the move is part of a cost-cutting plan to eliminate money-losing routes during restructuring.
The airline named multiple affected cities; the announcement lists these markets:
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Boise, Idaho
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Oakland, California
- Columbia, South Carolina
- Portland, Oregon
- Sacramento, California
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- San Diego, California
- San Jose, California
In August 2025 Spirit filed for Chapter 11 protection for a second time after emerging from a prior reorganization earlier in the year. The company’s August quarterly filing and executive commentary warned of “substantial doubt” about ongoing viability, citing weak leisure demand and adverse market conditions.
Spirit said a spokesperson would reach out to passengers who hold affected reservations to explain options, including refunds. The airline continues to operate dozens of routes across North, Central and South America and the Caribbean per its published route map.
Context & Impact
Airlines that market low fares often run thin margins; when demand softens and costs rise, carriers prune unprofitable routes to preserve liquidity during restructuring. Spirit’s moves reflect that pattern and show the carrier prioritizing short-term cash savings.
Rival carriers moved quickly to fill gaps. United announced additions to 15 cities beginning Jan. 6 to offer alternatives for travelers, and Frontier outlined 20 new routes from hubs including Detroit, Houston and Baltimore with promotional fares between $29 and $89.
Passengers in the affected markets may see increased competition on remaining carriers’ routes, and airports losing service could face reduced connectivity and local economic impacts. Travel agents and corporate shuttles that relied on Spirit’s low fares may need to adjust plans for late 2025 bookings.
Official Statements
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.
Spirit Airlines spokesperson, email to CBS News
If Spirit suddenly goes out of business it will be incredibly disruptive, so we’re adding flights to give their customers other options if they want or need them.
Patrick Quayle, United Airlines senior VP of global network planning and alliances
Unconfirmed
- The public announcement refers to a “dozen” cities, but the company-provided list included 11 named markets; an apparent discrepancy has not been clarified.
- It is not yet confirmed whether additional route suspensions or broader operational pauses will follow as restructuring continues.
Bottom Line
Spirit’s October route cuts and the cancellation of the Macon launch are immediate steps to lower costs while the airline reorganizes. Rival carriers are expanding schedules to capture displaced demand, but passengers and local economies in affected cities should expect short-term disruption. Watch for further notices from Spirit and confirmations from airports and competing carriers as plans firm up.