Spirit Expands to CAE, CHA with New U.S. Routes
Spirit Airlines is set to broaden its network in the southeastern United States by launching new services from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) in South Carolina and Chattanooga Airport (CHA) in Tennessee, starting in June 2025. The move comes amid Spirit’s ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization and intensifies competition on routes that are increasingly popular among leisure travelers.
New Routes from Columbia Metropolitan (CAE)
Starting June 6, Spirit will offer three weekly flights from CAE to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), directly challenging ultra-low-cost carrier Allegiant Air, which recently commenced operations from the airport. Allegiant began its service from CAE on May 15 with flights to Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB) and added a route to FLL on May 22. In direct response, Spirit’s new service from CAE to its FLL base aims to capture more of the South Carolina leisure market, where American Airlines already operates seasonal flights between CAE and Miami International Airport.
In addition to the FLL route, Spirit is set to open a 3X-weekly service between CAE and Orlando International Airport (MCO) beginning June 5. This route offers an alternative to Allegiant’s operations from CAE to Orlando Sanford, the secondary airport in the region. Moreover, on June 5, Spirit will launch a 4X-weekly service from CAE to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey—a new market with no current competition from other carriers. With these new routes, Columbia becomes the third South Carolina market served by Spirit, joining its existing operations in Charleston and Myrtle Beach.
Expanding from Chattanooga (CHA)
Spirit is also set to enhance connectivity from Chattanooga. On June 4 and 5, the airline will initiate services from CHA to three key destinations: Newark (4X-weekly), Fort Lauderdale (3X-weekly), and Orlando International (4X-weekly). These routes are exclusive to Spirit, filling a gap in the market as other carriers like Allegiant, American, Delta, and United continue to serve CHA. According to CHA CEO April Cameron, the new destinations are “highly sought after,” reflecting strong local demand and promising prospects for increased passenger traffic.
Competitive Landscape and Market Trends
Both CAE and CHA have experienced record-breaking passenger numbers in 2024, with CAE handling 1.4 million passengers and CHA welcoming 556,958 travelers over the year. These impressive figures underscore the growth potential in these markets and highlight why airlines are eager to capture a share of the southeastern U.S. travel demand.
Spirit’s strategic expansion comes at a time when the competitive landscape is evolving rapidly. While Allegiant Air’s recent launch at CAE has added a new dynamic to the market, Spirit’s introduction of additional routes—including the noncompetitive Newark service—demonstrates its commitment to reinforcing its network with high-demand leisure destinations. Operating an all-Airbus A320-family fleet, Spirit leverages its modern aircraft and efficient operations to offer competitive fares and schedule flexibility.
As Spirit Airlines works through its Chapter 11 reorganization, these new routes signal a robust effort to expand market presence, optimize route performance, and offer travelers more options. With new services from both CAE and CHA, Spirit aims to provide attractive alternatives for leisure and business travelers while continuing its aggressive expansion strategy in key southeastern markets.
Related News : https://suspicious-zhukovsky.67-21-117-18.plesk.page/?s=Spirit+Airlines