Flying Spirit out of FLL? What to know as airline faces financial uncertainty
One of the largest airlines at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport could face deeper financial trouble as rising fuel prices threaten its ability to emerge from bankruptcy protection.
Spirit Airlines, a Dania Beach-based carrier and a staple for budget-conscious South Florida travelers, has operated out of FLL since the early 1990s.
According to FLL data, Spirit accounted for 24.9% of passengers using the airport as of February, with JetBlue second at 21.3%.
Despite filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for a second time in less than a year in August, Spirit has continued operating and retained its high share of passengers at FLL.
An April 15 hearing U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York to seek approval of the airline’s reorganization plan was adjourned until April 23, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Objections filed by creditors ahead of the hearing raised questions about whether the airline has accounted for rising fuel costs and the impact of its finances.
Reports from CNBC and The Wall Street Journal said the carrier is actively negotiating with major creditors and could face liquidation within days.
President Donald Trump suggested the federal government could play a role in keeping Spirit afloat, while also encouraging a buyer to step in. Speaking with CNBC, Trump said he would “love somebody to buy Spirit,” adding there are roughly 14,000 jobs tied to the company.
When contacted by the Pembroke Pines News, Spirit media relations manager Tommy Fletcher said, “We don’t comment on market rumors and speculation. Our operations continue as normal.”
The Pembroke Pines News also reached out to FLL officials for comment but had not received a response as of April 22.
While operating under bankruptcy protection, Spirit has reduced its fleet of planes and scaled back routes across the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America.
In March, the airline announced it intends to focus operations on Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Greater New York and Detroit.
While the airline has shrunk, rival carriers such as JetBlue, Frontier and Allegiant have added flights at FLL.
