Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes

Following several restructuring-related capacity cuts, ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit is slated to grow its network again this year.

A Spirit Airbus A320
A Spirit A320 aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
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Key Takeaways:

Following several restructuring-related capacity cuts, Spirit is slated to grow its network again this year. The budget airline – which exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month – will add a new destination to its route map.

On June 4, the carrier will begin serving Chattanooga, Tennessee. The “Scenic City” will become Spirit’s third destination in Tennessee, joining Nashville and Memphis.

“We’re excited to expand our Tennessee network and welcome our CHA Guests onboard as we launch three new nonstop routes, just in time for a fun summer vacation,” said John Kirby, vice president of network planning at Spirit, in a news release. “Chattanooga is known as the Scenic City for good reason, and travelers from major East Coast cities can discover a new destination with southern charm, breathtaking views and endless outdoor activities.”

The airline will connect the city to Newark, New Jersey, along with Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida. Flights to Newark and Orlando will operate four times per week, while Fort Lauderdale will see thrice-weekly service beginning on June 5.

In addition, Spirit plans to resume service to Columbia, South Carolina. The airline will serve the same destinations, starting on June 5. Spirit last served Columbia in 2009, per Cirium Diio schedule data.

This year, Spirit plans to cut overall capacity by roughly 16% after posting a $1.2 billion loss in 2024.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
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