Bankrupt Spirit Airlines to Furlough One-Third of Flight Attendants Amid Major Restructuring

Spirit Airlines, the ultra-low-cost carrier that has filed for bankruptcy twice this year, announced it will furlough about one-third of its flight attendants as part of a sweeping cost-cutting plan. On Monday, the airline confirmed it will discharge approximately 1,800 of its 5,200 flight attendants effective December 1, 2025, aligning staffing levels with a reduced flight schedul

“As part of our ongoing restructuring, we are taking steps to align staffing with our fleet size and expected flight volume. In line with this process, we have made the difficult decision to furlough approximately 1,800 Flight Attendants, effective Dec. 1, 2025,” Spirit said in a statement to CBS News, adding that it is committed to treating affected employees with “care and respect during this process.”

The move follows Spirit’s earlier announcement this month of a 25% capacity reduction in November. At the time, CEO Dave Davis signaled that layoffs were likely to accompany the flight cuts. “These evaluations will inevitably affect the size of our teams as we become a more efficient airline. Unfortunately, these are the tough calls we must make to emerge stronger. We know this adds uncertainty, and we are committed to keeping you informed as these decisions are made,” he wrote in a memo to staff.

The cost-cutting drive extends beyond flight attendants. The union representing Spirit pilots said the airline told them it “must obtain approximately $100 million in annual cost savings from pilots,” according to a memo from union chair Ryan Muller. The pilots’ union is currently surveying its members on the matter.

Spirit has attributed its financial troubles to a slump in U.S. domestic leisure travel, with budget-conscious Americans cutting back on discretionary spending. At the same time, travelers who can afford to fly are increasingly gravitating toward premium experiences, forcing budget carriers to reevaluate their business models.

The layoffs and capacity reductions are part of Spirit’s effort to restructure its operations, reduce costs, and navigate an extremely competitive and shifting aviation market as it seeks to emerge from bankruptcy on stronger footing.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, reuters.com