Quantcast

Spirit Airlines grounds planes after accidental foam discharge

European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Spirit Airlines grounds planes after accidental foam discharge
Policy
Webp spirit airlines
Spirit Airlines | Official Website

Spirit Airlines has temporarily grounded several Airbus A320 family aircraft following an accidental activation of the fire suppression system at its maintenance hangar in Detroit. The incident occurred on July 4, resulting in foam discharge inside the hangar and spilling onto the apron.

The airline attributed the foam release to nearby lightning. Despite this event, Spirit Airlines stated there was no significant impact on flight operations. "We have engaged a contractor to assist with cleanup efforts, and we thank first responders for their quick response and assistance. There is no impact to our flight operations," said a spokesperson for Spirit Airlines.

Photos and videos shared online depicted at least two aircraft inside and four outside the hangar during the incident. The airline confirmed that three aircraft were removed from service—two from inside the hangar and one from outside. According to ch-aviation records, Spirit Airlines has 14 A320 family aircraft based at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Additionally, Spirit Airlines has parked up to 58 aircraft due to other ongoing issues, including inspections of Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines. This follows disclosures by RTX regarding a condition affecting engine parts manufactured between late 2015 and mid-2021.

Similar incidents have occurred at other facilities over recent years. In February 2024, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport experienced a foam discharge in a United Airlines building without impacting operations as no personnel or aircraft were present. In March 2020, Delta Air Lines reported a malfunctioning fire suppression system at Los Angeles International Airport.

In 2014, Eglin Air Force Base saw a foam discharge resulting in one fatality due to valve failure caused by freezing temperatures. An Air Force Test Center report highlighted situational awareness loss and decision-making errors as contributing factors.

Spirit Airlines operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier with hubs across major U.S. airports, including Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that its Wings of Change Europe (WOCE) event will take place at the Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher's Hotel in Brussels.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership with Crunchyroll, the global anime streaming platform, to bring a curated selection of anime content to its flights.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has been recognized as one of the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women, marking its return to the list since 2019.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines marked its 100th anniversary by serving as the official airline of the 60th Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) in Boston.

Oct 23, 2025

American Airlines has announced that it will upgrade its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with new Flagship Suites, the airline's latest business-class product.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce a new in-flight dining partnership with Chef José Andrés, bringing Spanish-inspired cuisine to select cabins starting November 4.

Oct 23, 2025