Spirit Cuts 24 Routes, Adds 7 as It Battles Losses

Spirit Airlines has not made a profit since 2020, and it’s trimming its route network to try to stem the losses. The latest development is that the ultra-low-cost carrier is terminating 24 flights from several cities.

At the same time, Spirit is starting 7 new routes, clearly in a bid to shift its offer to where it thinks it can make a profit.

This is happening as Spirit and Frontier, another ultra-low-cost airline that’s losing money, are discussing a revival of the merger they almost went through in 2022.

Let’s look at the latest cuts and additions to the Spirit network in detail.

Cuts From Charlotte to Los Angeles

The latest round of Spirit cuts, first confirmed by The Points Guy, indicates the airline is slashing routes all over the country, particularly from Charlotte (CLT), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), and Los Angeles (LAX).

This is good news for Spirit’s direct competitors at those airports, particularly American Airlines, which has a vastly dominant position in Charlotte and Dallas. However, it may not be as good for travelers, who tend to benefit from lower prices in markets where ultra-low-cost carriers compete.

These cuts come after another round of 32 cuts in September.

Here are the 24 routes that Spirit is cutting:

The airline said customers who booked seats on the flights that are being terminated will either receive a refund or be rerouted onto other flights with Spirit.

New Routes in 2025

Spirit is selling some airplanes from its all-Airbus fleet and redeploying a few to serve destinations where it may turn a profit.

Next year, Spirit is adding 7 new routes:

• Daily Flights From Atlanta (ATL) to Columbus (CMH), Indianapolis (IND), and San Antonio (SAT) — Flights to Columbus and San Antonio will begin on April 9, 2025, while Indianapolis begins on May 7. 
• New Orleans (MSY) to Columbus (CMH), Indianapolis (IND), Memphis (MEM), and San Antonio (SAT) — Seasonal Mardi Gras flights begin on February 20, 2025, and are intended to meet peak demand to New Orleans.

Final Thoughts

Spirit Airlines is experiencing a financial crisis and trying to return to profit by adjusting its route network. It’s cutting dozens of flights in many markets while adding a few in others.

If you have been affected by the flight terminations, keep in mind that the airline has promised to refund or reroute you.