Spirit Airlines to Furlough 1,800 Flight Attendants Amid Restructuring

Spirit Airlines has announced plans to furlough around 1,800 flight attendants — roughly one-third of its cabin crew — as the ultra-low-cost carrier undergoes its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring in less than a year. The move comes as the airline seeks to align staffing with a shrinking fleet and reduced flight schedule.

In a statement, Spirit said the layoffs will take effect December 1, 2025, although a voluntary furlough program beginning November 1 could reduce the number of involuntary cuts. The airline framed the decision as a necessary step to “match our workforce with our fleet size and expected flight volume.”

Earlier this month, Spirit announced a 25% reduction in flight capacity for November compared to the same period last year, on top of its previously disclosed exit from 11 markets. The cuts underscore the financial pressures facing the carrier as it attempts to stabilize operations and focus on its most profitable routes.

Spirit currently operates a fleet of 214 Airbus narrowbody aircraft, including 62 A320-200s, 91 A320neo models, 29 A321-200s, and 32 A321neo aircraft. While no fleet reductions have yet been finalized, industry observers expect Spirit to scale back its aircraft count as part of the restructuring process.

The furloughs represent one of the largest workforce reductions in Spirit’s history and highlight the challenges faced by budget carriers in the post-pandemic travel market. Rising costs, shifting consumer demand, and stalled growth plans have pressured airlines like Spirit to rethink their business models and staffing levels.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com