Ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has revealed plans to cut its November 2025 schedule by 25%, highlighting ongoing financial struggles after recently filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year.
In a memo seen by CNBC on September 17, 2025, Spirit Airlines CEO Dave Davis informed staff that the airline intends to cut its November 2025 capacity by 25% compared to November 2024 to focus on its most profitable markets.
“These evaluations will inevitably affect the size of our teams as we become a more efficient airline,” Davis wrote in the memo. However, the specific number of positions that might be affected was not revealed.
“Unfortunately, these are the tough calls we must make to emerge stronger,” Davis said. “We know this adds uncertainty, and we are committed to keeping you as these decisions are made.”
Spirit has announced furloughs and demotions affecting hundreds of employees. Starting October 1, 2025, approximately 270 Spirit Airlines pilots will be furloughed, and 140 will be demoted from captain to first officer on November 1, 2025.
“This bankruptcy will be much more difficult than the last one and we must be prepared to act to protect our interests as flight attendants,” Spirit flight attendants’ union, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, informed members in a statement seen by CNBC.
Spirit’s rocky path through bankruptcy
Spirit Airlines is facing a tough road ahead as it struggles with serious financial difficulties.
On August 29, 2025, Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in less than a year, aiming to restructure its debts again.
Less than a week later, the airline revealed it would stop flying to 11 US cities in October 2025, including Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boise, Chattanooga, Columbia, Oakland, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and San Jose. The carrier also cancelled plans for a new route to Macon, Georgia.
Spirit exited its first bankruptcy on March 13, 2025, after reducing its debt by about $795 million. However, the airline soon found itself in financial trouble again, leading to pilot furloughs, aircraft sales, and a reduction in operations, along with other cost-cutting measures.
