Fri Nov 07 11:40:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Spirit Airlines to Cease Operations at Phoenix Sky Harbor Amid Financial Struggles

PHOENIX, AZ – Beset by financial woes, Spirit Airlines will discontinue service from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on January 8, 2026, the airline confirmed today. The departure is part of a larger strategic shift that will also see the low-cost carrier pull out of Milwaukee, Rochester, and St. Louis.

The move follows a recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing where Spirit Airlines raised doubts about its ability to meet its financial obligations, just months after emerging from bankruptcy. The airline cited weak demand for leisure travel and a challenging pricing environment as contributing factors to its struggles.

“This decision to leave Phoenix is part of our efforts to better position the airline for the future, to better align with our smaller operating fleet and focus on our strongest performing markets,” Spirit Airlines said in a statement.

Spirit’s presence at Sky Harbor has diminished in recent years, with only two nonstop routes currently offered to Detroit and Fort Lauderdale. From January to September 2025, the airline flew just 113,613 passengers from Phoenix, significantly less than its budget competitor, Frontier Airlines, which flew approximately 1.7 million passengers in the same period.

The airline has already taken steps to mitigate its financial difficulties, including introducing a premium economy fare and furloughing 270 pilots. Future strategies may include selling aircraft, real estate, and excess airport gate capacity.

Passengers with existing bookings affected by the closure will be contacted by Spirit Airlines to discuss their options, including refunds.

While Spirit’s departure will eliminate some low-cost options, Phoenix travelers will still have access to nonstop flights to Detroit via American, Southwest, Delta, and Frontier Airlines. New nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale will be available through JetBlue Airways and a new American Airlines route launching on December 18th.

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