Spirit is recalling hundreds of furloughed pilots as it prepares to emerge from bankruptcy.
In a statement to AirlineGeeks, the budget carrier confirmed it issued recall notices to approximately 500 pilots “who were involuntarily furloughed between Sept. 1, 2024, and Nov. 1, 2025.”
“Recalled pilots were sent a notice on March 9, 2026, and those who accept will return to duty in the timeframe detailed in the collective bargaining agreement,” Spirit said.
The dates of the furloughs provided by Spirit suggest they reach back to before the company’s first stint in bankruptcy, between November 2024 and March 2025. The airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection again in August 2025 due to increasing costs and mounting debt.
Over the last several months, Spirit had also furloughed flight attendants and laid off some corporate staff.
In a sign that staffing levels were stabilizing, the carrier canceled plans for additional pilot furloughs in December and recalled some flight attendants in February.
A recent memo to employees cited by Reuters said Spirit needs additional staff to handle the busier summer travel season.
Air Crew News, which obtained a recall notice, reported that pilots have until March 23 to respond. They are expected to return to duty within 30 days of the notice date, which comes to April 8.
Recalled pilots will be assigned to one of three bases – Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Orlando; or New York-LaGuardia.
Last month, Spirit said it reached a deal with its creditors that will allow it to emerge from bankruptcy by the late spring or early summer. Officials said the airline will operate a much smaller fleet across a greatly reduced route network.
