spirit Airlines to End Flights from Phoenix โฃSky Harbor, Raising Concerns About Future Viability
PHOENIX – Spirit Airlines will cease flight operations from โPhoenix Skyโค Harbor International Airport, the airline announced Tuesday, as it grapples with notable financial challengesโ that cast doubt on itsโฃ long-term survival. The move impacts travelers who rely on Spirit for budget travel options from the Valley.
The airlineS decision comes amid broader cost-cutting measures,including a recent move to introduce a premiumโ economy fare class and furlough 270โ pilots. Spirit indicated in filingsโ with the Securities and Exchangeโฃ Commission โ(SEC) that it may need to sell aircraft, real estate, and airport gate capacity to meet its financial obligations. Though, the โcompany acknowledged “there is substantialโค doubt as to (Spirit)’s ability to continueโฆwithinโฃ 12 โคmonths from the date these financial statements are issued.”
Passengers affected by the Phoenix route cuts will be contacted by Spirit and offered refunds, the airline stated.
While Spirit’s departure eliminates a low-cost carrier option from Phoenix, nonstop service to cities previously served by the airline will continue. American Airlines,โข Southwest Airlines, and โขDelta Air Lines all offer โฃnonstop flights between Phoenix โand Detroit. Nonstop serviceโค to Fort lauderdale will be โavailableโ starting with JetBlue Airways โand aโ new American Airlines route โขlaunchingโข December 18.