Spirit Airlines Hangar Flooded with Foam After Fire Suppression Mishap

Spirit Airlines faced an unusual Fourth of July disruption when its maintenance hangar at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) was flooded with firefighting foam following the accidental activation of its fire suppression system. The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. local time on July 4, 2025, with initial reports suggesting a nearby lightning strike may have triggered the system.

Though no fire was detected at the time, the hangar’s large bay doors were open, allowing foam to spill outside and cover additional aircraft parked nearby. Social media videos and images showed thick layers of foam blanketing the hangar floor and the surrounding tarmac, including several Spirit Airlines aircraft.

According to Spirit, two aircraft inside the hangar and one parked outside were removed from service for inspection and decontamination. All affected planes are undergoing detailed cleaning and evaluation to assess the extent of potential corrosion or damage. Initial estimates suggest the incident could result in millions of dollars in repairs and cleanup.

The airline confirmed that no injuries occurred and emphasized that flight operations remain unaffected. “We have engaged a contractor to assist with cleanup efforts, and we thank first responders for their quick response and assistance,” a Spirit spokesperson said.

Spirit’s Detroit facility, built by Butler Heavy Structures, spans 126,840 square feet and can house up to three Airbus A321 aircraft simultaneously. The hangar features a 318-foot-wide and 44-foot-high rolling door system, with maintenance and office spaces positioned on three sides of the main bay.

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