Spirit Airlines Cancels 250+ Flights Amid Crew Shortage

Spirit Airlines has canceled more than 250 flights since Feb. 13, stranding passengers across South Florida as the ultra-low-cost carrier grapples with crew and flight attendant shortages. The disruptions have heavily impacted operations at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, where Spirit is the dominant airline, as well as Palm Beach International Airport and Orlando International Airport.

The airline acknowledged that the wave of cancellations and delays is tied to staffing constraints, prompting Spirit to recall 500 furloughed employees in an effort to stabilize operations. Flights from Palm Beach to Atlantic City and Newark have been among those affected, according to airline and flight-tracking data.

The operational turmoil comes as Spirit navigates Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings for the second time in less than a year. The company recently sold 20 aircraft, most of which were not in active service, as part of a broader restructuring plan aimed at improving liquidity and long-term viability. CEO Dave Davis has described the fleet reduction as a strategic move to streamline the airline’s footprint.

Investor interest has also surfaced. Louisiana businessman John Miller has publicly discussed assembling a group to acquire and restructure the carrier, potentially shifting its hub to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport if a deal materializes.

Industry analysts caution that a week of disruptions alone does not determine an airline’s survival. However, reliability concerns in competitive markets like South Florida could influence booking behavior. Spirit’s price-sensitive customers have multiple alternatives, particularly as legacy airlines match lower fares on select routes.

Spirit’s ultra-low-cost model, built on low base fares supplemented by ancillary fees, delivered strong profits in the 2010s. But rising fuel, labor and maintenance costs have squeezed margins, leaving less operational flexibility when disruptions occur. At major bases like Fort Lauderdale, even minor crew shortages can ripple across the broader network, amplifying delays and cancellations.

While operational setbacks may not signal immediate collapse, sustained reliability issues could further challenge Spirit’s recovery as it seeks to regain financial and consumer confidence.

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