Spirit Airlines has announced that it will halt operations at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, effective January 8, 2026. This decision follows the airline’s recent bankruptcy filing, marking another significant change in its operational strategy.
Passengers who are affected by the discontinuation of service will be notified by Spirit Airlines regarding their travel options, including the possibility of refunds. Spirit operates a limited schedule from Phoenix, with only two nonstop destinations: Detroit and Fort Lauderdale. In comparison, its main budget competitor, Frontier Airlines, has a more substantial presence at Sky Harbor.
The decision to cease operations at Phoenix is part of a broader effort by Spirit Airlines to streamline its business. The airline stated that this move is aimed at better positioning itself for the future, allowing it to align with a smaller operating fleet and focus on its strongest markets.
Despite re-emerging from bankruptcy and efforts to adopt a premium economy class, the airline has struggled with demand in recent months, leading to a challenging pricing environment. Spirit Airlines reported that from January to September 2025, it transported only 113,613 passengers, a stark contrast to Frontier’s nearly 1.7 million passengers during the same period. This decline has prompted Spirit to rethink its operational routes.
Passengers can rest assured that they will still have access to flights to both Detroit and Fort Lauderdale from Phoenix, as other airlines, including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways, continue to operate nonstop routes to these destinations.
Michael Salerno, an experienced travel journalist, emphasizes the importance of understanding these changes amid the evolving landscape of the airline industry. With Spirit’s announcement, travelers are encouraged to stay informed and explore alternative options as they make their future vacation plans.