Spirit Airlines cuts routes, rivals pounce as budget carrier faces bankruptcy turbulence

Core Insights - Spirit Airlines is cutting routes in October as it navigates bankruptcy, while competitors like United Airlines and Frontier Airlines are seizing the opportunity to expand their services [1][2][13]. Route Changes - Spirit Airlines will discontinue service to multiple cities including Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boise, Chattanooga, Columbia, Oakland, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and San Jose, effective the week of October 2 [2]. - The airline will also not launch a new service in Macon, Georgia, which was scheduled for October 16 [2]. Competitor Actions - United Airlines is planning to add flights to its winter schedule, including new routes to 15 cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Las Vegas starting January 6 [6]. - United's strategy includes adding flights to routes that may be vacated if Spirit goes out of business, providing alternatives for Spirit's customers [7]. - Frontier Airlines has announced the addition of 20 new routes, including flights from Fort Lauderdale, which is Spirit's main hub [11]. Financial Context - Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in less than a year due to ongoing financial struggles and inability to regain solvency [13]. - The airline's CEO stated that the restructuring process aims to ensure long-term success and continued service to customers [15]. - Spirit cited adverse market conditions and weak demand for domestic leisure travel as contributing factors to its financial challenges [15].