Spirit Airlines just made another big announcement that could affect your flight
Spirit Airlines expects to cut flights by about 25% in November, according to a memo from CEO Dave Davis.
The memo, sent to employees on Sept. 17 and viewed by the Miami Herald, said operational leaders are receiving a preliminary November flight schedule this week. And that as they start planning, “you will see a reduction of about 25% in capacity, year over year, as we optimize our network to focus on our strongest markets.”
No specific itinerary changes were mentioned in the memo and “the schedule won’t be finalized until next week,” Davis wrote.
The warning comes about two weeks after the Broward carrier halted service to 12 U.S. cities, including 4 with direct service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, in an effort to survive. The four were Birmingham, Alabama; Columbia, South Carolina; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Macon. Those flights will stop operating the week of Oct. 2, 2025. Spirit had planned to start serving Macon on Oct. 16.
On Aug. 29, Spirit filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time in less than 12 months.
The discount airline with bright yellow planes had warned on Aug. 12 that the company might not make it to next year despite already completing one restructuring.
That’s after adding more “premium” offerings like extra legroom, trying to leave behind its low-cost roots. The airline also laid off pilots and sold some company assets. Spirit appointed Davis as president on Feb. 20.
Davis said this week in the memo he was notifying employees ahead of time because November’s schedule will reflect “significant adjustments.”
When the company filed for bankruptcy protection on Aug. 29 it said in a statement that “guests can continue to book, travel and use tickets, credits and loyalty points.” But the airline said in the same statement that “redesign its network” would be one of its priorities during the current restructuring.
Travelers who’ve already purchased tickets would be prudent to regularly contact Spirit for updates.
Davis’ memo also cautioned about likely “ongoing cost-savings efforts” in November, suggesting more layoffs.
And he said the airline is “continuing to evaluate the size of our fleet” and reduce costs with its suppliers and vendors.
Spirit, which provided FLL more passengers in 2024 than any other airline did, is an important airline there, and to the region.
This story was originally published September 19, 2025 at 1:47 PM.