Spirit Airlines Scales Back Operations, Exiting Minneapolis and Hartford Amid Financial Restructuring

Spirit Airlines is significantly reducing its network, announcing plans to cease operations at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and Hartford’s Bradley International Airport (BDL) by the end of October. This move is part of a broader strategy to cut costs and simplify operations as the budget carrier navigates financial challenges, including a recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The airline will also suspend service on approximately 40 routes, representing about a quarter of its network, starting in November.

Key Takeaways

• Spirit Airlines will exit Minneapolis (MSP) and Hartford (BDL) on October 31.
• Around 40 routes will be suspended starting in November.
• These cuts are a response to financial difficulties and a recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

Network Reductions

Spirit Airlines’ decision to pull out of Minneapolis and Hartford comes as the company works to streamline its operations and address financial concerns. The budget carrier revealed its exit from these two major airports in a memo to staff, with the last day of service in both cities being October 31. In Minneapolis, Spirit currently offers flights to Detroit and Atlanta. In Hartford, its nonstop service includes routes to Detroit, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, and Fort Lauderdale.

Broader Route Suspensions

Beyond the airport exits, Spirit plans to suspend service on roughly 40 routes across its network starting in November. This significant reduction follows earlier cuts and comes shortly after the airline announced furloughs for about a third of its flight attendants. These measures are intended to position the airline for future stability.

Financial Context

The airline’s current financial situation has been tumultuous, marked by two bankruptcy filings within a year and substantial debt. This has led competitors like United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and JetBlue to expand their services, sometimes in markets where Spirit is reducing its presence. Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium indicates that Spirit’s total flights in the fourth quarter of 2025 were projected to be down by over 20% compared to the previous year, even before these latest cuts were announced. Executives have stated these "necessary changes" are aimed at improving the airline’s long-term outlook.

Key Takeaways

• Spirit to exit Minneapolis and Hartford, cut dozens of routes, The Points Guy.