Low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines announced it will cease operations in at least twelve United States cities, including three major California airports: Sacramento International Airport, Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, and San Jose Mineta International Airport, starting the week of October 2, 2025.
This drastic cutback in routes comes just a week after Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in less than a year. The airline reported losses of $257 million between March and June, citing rising operational costs, weak demand in the leisure travel segment, and challenging market conditions.
Spirit apologized to affected passengers and confirmed it will contact those with reservations, offering options such as refunds.
What alternatives do travelers have now?
In response, carriers like United and Frontier quickly announced new routes to fill the gap left by Spirit. United plans to add flights to 15 cities beginning in January, while Frontier has already unveiled 20 new routes.
Airport authorities downplayed the impact, noting that Spirit accounted for less than 3% of seat capacity and daily flights in both Oakland and San Jose, and expressed confidence that other airlines can accommodate travelers.
This move marks yet another twist in the ongoing crisis for the low-cost airline industry and raises challenges for both passengers and the airports affected.
