Spirit Airlines expands routes amid post-bankruptcy recovery efforts

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Spirit Airlines expands routes amid post-bankruptcy recovery efforts

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Duncan Dee Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications at Spirit Airlines | Spirit Airlines Website

By Sky Industry News

Jun 9, 2025

Spirit Airlines has announced the launch of several new routes, including flights from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Fort Lauderdale, Newark, and Orlando. These additions are part of the airline's strategy to expand its network in 2025. Spirit Airlines is reintroducing Columbia, South Carolina, into its route map after previously serving the city in 2008 and 2009.

Duncan Dee, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications at Spirit Airlines, commented on the new services from Chattanooga: "These new nonstop routes open the door to high-value connections for our passengers and strengthen Chattanooga's role as a gateway to and from the Southeast. We appreciate Spirit's investment in our community and look forward to welcoming travelers from across these key destinations to the Scenic City." April Cameron, President and CEO of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority, added that partnering with Spirit Airlines is a significant step forward in expanding travel options for the region.

Spirit Airlines' expansion comes after emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 12. The airline faced challenges such as economic uncertainty affecting travel demand and competition from premium segment airlines. In its Q1 financial report, Spirit Airlines noted that capacity cuts in 2024 aimed at enhancing operational reliability were necessary but created uncertainty about profitability.

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The airline has experienced increased volatility due to factors like seasonality changes, higher fuel prices, and competition from full-service airlines offering similar pricing structures. Despite these challenges, Spirit Airlines concluded it would have sufficient liquidity to meet future cash needs through cash flows from operations and management plans.

In addition to new services from Chattanooga, Spirit Airlines recently began flights from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) and Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), with plans to offer low-cost travel from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) starting August 14.

Spirit Airlines reported a net profit of $72.2 million pre-bankruptcy due to reorganization gains but posted a net loss of $10.9 million post-bankruptcy between March 13 and March 31. The airline delayed publishing its Q1 results due to complexities related to "fresh start" accounting required after emerging from bankruptcy.