Spirit Airlines pulling out of Salt Lake City as airline faces financial turbulence

Photo: AP

SALT LAKE CITY — Spirit Airlines will halt all flights to and from Salt Lake City starting Oct. 2, cutting off a low-cost option for Utah travelers and forcing those with tickets in hand to change plans.

Fox 13 reported the airline confirmed the move in a statement, noting that Salt Lake City is among several markets being dropped as part of a broader downsizing effort. Spirit currently connects Utahns to Las Vegas, Detroit, Orlando, and Los Angeles — popular routes for both leisure and family travel.

“We apologize to our Guests for any inconvenience this may cause,” the company said in the statement, adding that it will contact customers with affected reservations to outline their options, including full refunds.

The decision comes just weeks after Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in a year, fueling concerns about the airline’s future.

Other carriers are already adjusting. Delta has rolled out sale fares on some of the same routes Spirit is abandoning.

Travel experts stress that while the disruption may be frustrating, customers won’t be left out of pocket. “Don’t panic,” said Suzi Barrett with Utah-based Flights From Home told Fox 13. “Legally, they are required to refund your flight. You’re not going to lose any money on this.”

The ultra low-cost airline said it plans to keep flying as usual during the restructuring process according to an AP news report, meaning passengers can still book trips and use their tickets, credits and loyalty points. Employees and contractors will also continue to get paid, the company said.

CEO Dave Davis said the airline’s previous Chapter 11 petition focused on reducing debt and raising capital, and since exiting that process in March, “it has become clear that there is much more work to be done and many more tools are available to best position Spirit for the future.”

Spirit, known for its bright yellow planes and no-frills service, has had a rough ride since the COVID-19 pandemic, struggling to rebound amid rising operation costs and its mounting debt. By the time of its first Chapter 11 filing in November, Spirit had lost more than $2.5 billion since the start of 2020.