Spirit will discontinue service in 11 U.S. markets this fall as part of a broader network adjustment aimed at strengthening its core operation, a spokesperson told AirlineGeeks on Wednesday.
The carrier confirmed that all flights will end the week of Oct. 2, in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Birmingham, Alabama; Boise, Idaho; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Columbia, South Carolina; Oakland, California; Portland, Oregon; Sacramento, California; Salt Lake City; San Diego; and San Jose, California.
In addition, the ultra-low-cost carrier will not move forward with its planned entry into Macon, Georgia, which had been scheduled to begin Oct. 16. This route was announced as part of a new partnership with Contour Airlines.
New Markets Axed
Chattanooga and Columbia are among Spirit’s newest markets, having just begun in June.
“As part of our efforts to transform our business and position Spirit for long-term success, we are adjusting our network to focus on our strongest performing markets,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “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.”
Enilria first reported the market exits.
The announcement comes less than a week after Spirit’s parent company, Spirit Aviation Holdings, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in less than a year. The airline said at the time that it intends to continue operating flights while it restructures its balance sheet and works to reduce costs.
The carrier added that it remains committed to offering “high-value travel options” across dozens of destinations in the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean.
