Spirit Airlines intends to lay off almost 300 pilots later this year, according to the air travel news siteAirlineGeeks reported July 28.
The budget airline, based in Florida, stated in an emailed statement that they are implementing essential measures to function as efficiently as possible as part of their initiatives to achieve profitability again.
Among these actions, we have chosen to temporarily lay off around 270 pilots, starting November 1, 2025, in order to match our personnel levels with the current flight schedule.
We acknowledge the significance of this choice and are dedicated to showing kindness and respect to every team member impacted throughout this procedure.
No information has been released yet regarding the end of the furloughs, but spokesperson Michael Lopardi stated in an email that the furlough “does not impact our service (current or future) to Florida airports.”
According to the Air Line Pilots Association(ALOPA), Spirit currently employs 3,218 active pilots and 164 pilots on leave, operating around 550 flights each day to more than 77 locations across the U.S., Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.
The report arrives as Spirit has recently unveiled new flights betweenFort Lauderdale and Macon, Georgia and new offering to Key West.
Spirit fighting its way out of bankruptcy
This is the most recent Spirit furlough in a series of such instances. Spirit has furloughed186 pilots in September2024 and approximately 330 in January,USA TODAY reported, and 250-350 employees in May per KWCH.com.
The ultra-low-cost airline emerged from bankruptcyearlier this year, and caused changes to its board as it works to recover from the failure of a planned $3.8 billion merger with JetBlue that was canceled in 2024 by the U.S. Department of Justicesued to block itIn July, Spirit asked the Transportation Department to oppose a plannedJetBlue Airline and United Airlines partnership.
The company has been attempting to cut its staff and sell 23 older Airbus planes, according to a report from Reuters last year. It has not managed to record a profit in the past five of the last six quarters, causing concerns about its capacity to handle upcoming debt repayments.
Spirit has also faced difficult times over the past few months, witha plane was evacuated in Detroitdue to a bomb threat, a viral video in May showingcockroaches on a flightand three aircraft removed from service following anoverflow of fire-suppressing foam at Detroit Metro Airport.
Despite its problems, Spirit was namedBest Airline for 2025 by WalletHub in April.
Recently, the company has attempted to position itself as the top choice among low-cost carriers with a new approach.ticket lineupan enhanced rewards program, and additional legroom for passengers who purchased “Go Comfy” tickets (now referred to as “Premium Economy”).
Other airlines are also making adjustments.
Southwest Airlines announced when theirnew assigned seating policywill become effective: January 27, 2026. The airline is not currently taking bookings beyond January 26.
In addition, there is a new pricing system and additional charges, as well as a new boarding procedure organized by seat location, beginning with seats that offer more legroom and granting Rapid Rewards members and holders of premium tickets the opportunity to board first.
The airline also recently introduced itsfares available on Expedia, adjusted its loyalty program, launched red-eye flights, and collaborated with Icelandair.
In June, United Airlines implemented a policy requiring all domestic travelers to complete check-in procedures for their flights.45 minutes before departurePreviously, the check-in counter for passengers without checked luggage closed thirty minutes before departure.
Which airports in Florida does Spirit Airlines operate from?
Spirit Airlines currently serves the following Florida airports:
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
- Fort Myers (RSW)
- Miami (MIA)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Pensacola (PNS)
- Tampa (TPA)
- West Palm Beach (PBI)
Key West (EYW), which begins in November, will be the eighth.
(This tale was revised to include additional details.)
This piece first was published in the Palm Beach Post:Spirit Airlines in Florida to lay off over 250 pilots at the low-cost carrier. What you need to know
