Spirit Airlines Cuts 150 Jobs and Ends Service to Five Airports

Spirit Airlines has announced significant changes as part of its ongoing efforts to cut costs. The airline will eliminate approximately 150 salaried positions and cease operations at five airports, according to a report from Reuters. This move comes as the airline anticipates a loss exceeding $800 million in 2025 and follows a series of financial struggles, including a recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

The affected airports include St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, and Bucaramanga Palonegro International Airport in Colombia. Operations at St. Louis, Phoenix, and Rochester will end on January 8, 2026, while services to Milwaukee and Bucaramanga will conclude on January 13, 2026.

These five airports are not major hubs for Spirit, with the airline operating only six routes to Milwaukee, three each to St. Louis and Rochester, two to Phoenix, and just one to Bucaramanga. The decision to cut these routes is part of a broader strategy to reduce flight operations, impacting destinations that are crucial for leisure travel.

Ongoing Financial Challenges

Spirit Airlines has faced ongoing financial difficulties for several years. The airline initially filed for bankruptcy in March 2025 and, after emerging from that process, filed for Chapter 11 protection again in August 2025. To address its financial woes, Spirit has implemented significant cuts to its network, workforce, and fleet size.

In October 2025, the airline’s Chief Financial Officer announced plans to reduce its fleet by nearly 100 aircraft. This reduction will involve early retirements of older planes, storing new aircraft, and declining future lease agreements. Currently, Spirit operates a fleet of 132 aircraft, which is nearly half of what it had at the beginning of the year. The downsizing of its fleet has necessitated a reduction in routes, contributing to the overall contraction of the airline’s operations.

In addition to job cuts, Spirit has furloughed approximately 1,800 flight attendants, which is about a third of its total staff. The airline also announced the furlough of 365 pilots and downgraded the status of another 170 pilots. This comes on the heels of an earlier announcement to furlough 270 pilots, indicating a significant workforce reduction as part of Spirit’s strategy to achieve profitability through downsizing.

Competitive Pressures and Brand Perception

Spirit’s financial difficulties are exacerbated by its route network, which connects major cities primarily to vacation destinations like Florida, the Caribbean, and Las Vegas. This positioning leaves the airline vulnerable to competition from legacy carriers that often have more robust service offerings and established frequent flyer programs. The airline’s focus on the Eastern United States further limits its operating flexibility in a competitive market.

Other low-cost carriers in the U.S. have faced similar challenges. For example, JetBlue Airways is projected to report a loss of over $100 million in 2025, despite efforts to turn around its financial situation. Meanwhile, Frontier Airlines has improved its finances following a significant change in its business strategy.

One of the unique challenges facing Spirit Airlines is its brand image. Known for its low-cost, no-frills approach, the airline struggles to compete with premium airlines that offer extensive cabin options and lucrative loyalty programs. This negative perception may hinder Spirit’s ability to attract and retain customers, complicating its path to recovery.

The situation at Spirit Airlines illustrates the complexities of operating in an industry marked by high overhead costs and fierce competition. While the airline’s current strategy may help in the short-term, it raises questions about its long-term viability in a challenging marketplace.