Spirit Airlines pilot Dominic Cipolla was arrested at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on June 17, 2025, following a warrant from Kansas authorities for alleged stalking. According to police information, the victims in the case are aged 12 and 17. Cipolla, who is 40 years old and a resident of Kansas City, Missouri, faces felony and misdemeanor charges related to incidents that allegedly occurred in Olathe, Kansas. If convicted of the felony charges, he could face one to three years in jail; misdemeanor convictions could result in fines up to $2,500.
After his arrest as a fugitive before boarding a scheduled flight—where another pilot replaced him—Cipolla was transferred to Johnson County jail through an extradition process. He was released on bail set at $12,500 and is awaiting his court date on August 12, 2025. Authorities have not indicated any connection between the alleged criminal actions and Cipolla’s professional duties as a Spirit Airlines pilot.
A representative from Spirit Airlines commented: “[Spirit Airlines is] aware of a matter involving a pilot at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport … which was unrelated to the performance of their job duties. The pilot was removed from duty pending our investigation into the matter. And we arranged for another pilot to operate the flight.”