Spirit Airlines is planning to cut back its routes and shrink its fleet as it works through its second bankruptcy in less than a year.
The budget carrier told a US bankruptcy court today (Tuesday) that it plans to further cut routes and shrink its fleet in order to lower costs so it can keep operating.
The airline said that by late spring or early summer it hopes to exit Chapter 11 protection it entered into in August last year.
The good news for travelers is that Spirit is still flying and selling tickets.
But passengers should expect fewer routes and less frequent service in some cities, along with possible schedule changes as planes are removed from the fleet.
The airline is also expected to continue focusing on ultra-low base fares while charging extra for add-ons.
As part of the plan, Spirit will get rid of more aircraft, including some of its newer Airbus jets, and rely more heavily on older planes. The final size of its fleet will depend on ongoing talks with aircraft lessors and lenders.
The company says these fleet cuts alone will reduce annual aircraft costs by about $550 million - roughly 65 percent lower than before its first bankruptcy filing in 2024. It is also targeting another $300 million in other cost reductions.
Spirit has already furloughed pilots and flight attendants and trimmed its network. Some crew members were briefly called back ahead of the busy spring break season, but the long-term plan is for a smaller operation overall.
The airline has faced multiple setbacks over the past two years.
A major engine recall from Pratt & Whitney grounded a number of planes. A proposed merger with JetBlue Airways was blocked by a federal judge in early 2024.
At the same time, costs for labor and operations surged after Covid, and more travelers began choosing airlines that offer more perks - even if the base fare is higher.
Spirit has also held talks with Frontier Airlines and investment firm Castlelake during its restructuring, though no deal has been announced.
Spirit says emerging from bankruptcy will put it in a 'position of strength.'
It has also signaled that future merger talks - potentially even with rivals like Frontier Airlines - could return once it stabilizes.
Based in Florida and known for its bright yellow planes, Spirit first filed for bankruptcy protection in November 2024 after years of losses, failed merger talks, and heavy debt.
Dave Davis, chief executive of Spirit Airlines, is leading the budget carrier through its latest bankruptcy restructuring as it works to shrink its fleet and cut costs
Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection last month for the second time in a year
It was the first major US airline to seek Chapter 11 since 2011. The airline emerged from the first bankruptcy in March 2025 after creditors approved its restructuring plan and wiped out all existing shares, hitting ordinary investors.
But fresh financial problems forced Spirit to file again just a few months later in August 2025 - marking its second in under a year under a year.
Shortly after, the carrier said it was axing flights to and from 12 cities, including Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boise, Chattanooga, Columbia, Portland, Salt Lake City, Oakland, San Diego, Sacramento and San Jose.
Then in November it went further by slashing a quarter of its flights as it scrambled to cut costs and keep flying.