Spirit Airlines has announced plans to furlough approximately 1,800 flight attendants by the end of 2025. This move is part of the airline's broader strategy to reduce costs and restructure operations following recent financial challenges. The furloughs will affect employees across several major U.S. airports, including significant numbers in Las Vegas, Chicago, Atlanta, and Florida.
Key Takeaways
- Spirit Airlines plans to furlough about 1,800 flight attendants by year-end.
- Initial furloughs include 393 employees at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
- Additional impacts are expected at Chicago O'Hare, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, and multiple Florida airports.
- The airline is discontinuing service to 11 cities to focus on stronger markets.
- These actions follow Spirit's emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and ongoing debt reduction efforts.
Furloughs Begin in Las Vegas and Other Key Hubs
The first wave of furloughs has been formally announced, impacting employees at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice, 393 members of the Association of Flight Attendants will be furloughed on or around December 1, 2025.
Spirit Airlines stated that these furloughs are expected to be temporary. However, the exact duration remains uncertain. The WARN Act is a federal regulation requiring employers to provide at least 60 days' written notice before mass layoffs or plant closings.
Furlough Numbers by Location
- Las Vegas (Harry Reid International Airport): 393 flight attendants
- Chicago (O'Hare International Airport): Over 60 employees
- Atlanta (Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport): Over 330 employees
- Florida (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Miami International Airports): Nearly 800 employees in total, including 70 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union members and over 650 flight attendants.
Broader Impact Across the Airline's Network
Beyond Las Vegas, similar WARN notices have been issued for other major operational hubs. In Illinois, more than 60 Spirit employees at O’Hare International Airport are slated for furlough in December. Georgia's notice indicates that over 330 employees at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will also be impacted.
Florida will see the largest number of affected employees, with nearly 800 individuals facing furloughs. This total includes 70 employees from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union, alongside over 300 flight attendants at Fort Lauderdale International Airport, 350 at Orlando International Airport, and 71 at Miami International Airport.
"Further, this furlough is subject to the terms of the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement ('CBA')," the notices state. "Bumping rights (that is, the right to avoid furlough by displacing another employee), if any, for union employees will be governed by the applicable CBA between the Company and the Union."
Union Efforts for Affected Employees
The Association of Flight Attendants confirmed last month that it is working to secure preferential interviews for furloughed members with other airlines. The union acknowledged that while it initially tried to prevent furloughs as Spirit aimed to cut costs, the significant reduction in aircraft and flight hours necessitates a higher reduction in force.
Background on Spirit Airlines' Challenges
Spirit Airlines has faced financial difficulties, leading to aggressive cost-cutting measures. In early September, the airline announced it would discontinue service to 11 cities. This decision aims to allow the carrier to concentrate on its most profitable routes. Eight of these 11 discontinued routes included services to or from Las Vegas. Services to these cities are scheduled to cease during the week of October 2.
This strategic adjustment came shortly after the budget carrier filed for bankruptcy protection. This filing occurred only months after Spirit had emerged from its first Chapter 11 reorganization.
Strategic Adjustments and Future Outlook
Spirit CEO and President Dave Davis has emphasized the company's focus on reducing debt and raising capital. The airline had previously implemented furloughs and job cuts before its bankruptcy filing last year. Cost-cutting efforts continued even after the airline exited bankruptcy protection in March.
These measures included plans to furlough approximately 270 pilots and downgrade about 140 captains to first officers in the coming months. These changes, set to take effect on October 1 and November 1, are also linked to anticipated flight demand in 2026. Spirit has also indicated it is considering selling some of its aircraft and real estate assets.
The airline's fleet is considered relatively young, which could make it an attractive target for acquisition. However, previous buyout attempts by rival budget carriers like JetBlue and Frontier were unsuccessful both before and during Spirit's initial bankruptcy process. The company continues to navigate a challenging economic landscape within the aviation industry.
Long-Term Goals
Spirit Airlines aims to stabilize its financial position through these restructuring efforts. The company seeks to emerge as a leaner and more competitive airline. The temporary nature of the furloughs suggests a hope for future rehiring as market conditions improve and the airline's financial health strengthens.
The impact on affected employees and their families is significant. The airline and union are working to mitigate the effects, but the uncertainty of the furlough duration remains a key concern for those impacted.
This situation highlights the ongoing pressures faced by airlines in a dynamic travel market. Companies often must make difficult decisions to ensure long-term viability, affecting many employees in the process. TravModo will continue to monitor developments with Spirit Airlines and other carriers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
