History of Spirit Airlines in Timeline

Spirit Airlines is an American ultra low-cost carrier headquartered in Dania Beach, Florida, operating scheduled flights throughout the U.S., the Caribbean, and Latin America. By 2023, it was the seventh-largest passenger carrier in North America and the largest ultra low-cost carrier. The airline faced significant financial challenges, leading to Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings in November 2024 and August 2025. After financial restructuring, Spirit emerged from bankruptcy in March 2025, only to file for it again later that year.

1999: Spirit moves headquarters

Spirit moved headquarters to 2800 Executive Way, Miramar, Florida, from Eastpointe location in 1999.

2014: Renovation of the Miramar office

The interior of the Miramar office was renovated in 2014.

2016: Number of Employees at Miramar Office

As of 2016, there were 600 employees located in Spirit Airlines' Miramar office.

2019: Airline Announces Move to New Headquarters

In 2019, the airline announced that it would move to new headquarters of up to 500,000-square-foot (46,000 m2) in the Dania Pointe development in Dania Beach, Florida, spending $250 million.

July 2022: JetBlue Agrees to Purchase Spirit

In July 2022, JetBlue reached an agreement to purchase Spirit for $33.50 per share, with additional inducements for Spirit shareholders.

2022: Initial merger deal announced

In early 2022, the airlines announced a $2.9 billion merger deal.

October 2023: Trial Begins to Block JetBlue's Acquisition of Spirit Airlines

In October 2023, the trial began regarding the Department of Justice's lawsuit to block JetBlue's acquisition of Spirit Airlines.

January 16, 2024: Federal Judge Blocks JetBlue's Acquisition of Spirit Airlines

On January 16, 2024, a federal judge blocked JetBlue's acquisition of Spirit Airlines, stating the deal was anticompetitive and would harm consumers. Spirit Airlines' stock fell by approximately 47% as a result, and the airline expressed concern over its future.

March 4, 2024: JetBlue Ends Takeover Attempt of Spirit Airlines

On March 4, 2024, JetBlue ended its takeover attempt of Spirit Airlines after a federal judge ruled the move would reduce competition.

April 2024: Dania Pointe Headquarters Opens

The Dania Pointe headquarters opened for business in April 2024.

November 2024: Spirit Airlines Prepares to File for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

In November 2024, Spirit Airlines announced it was preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, causing the company's stock to drop over 50%.

2024: Bankruptcy Filing

Spirit Airlines, Inc., was publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange until its bankruptcy filing in 2024 (NYSE: SAVE).

January 2025: Frontier Airlines Offers to Purchase Spirit Airlines

In January 2025, Frontier Airlines offered to purchase Spirit Airlines for $2.1 billion in stock and cash.

March 2025: Spirit Airlines Emerges from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

In March 2025, Spirit Airlines emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after finalizing its debt and having its take-private bankruptcy plan approved in February.

August 2025: Spirit Airlines Announces Cash Shortage

In August 2025, Spirit Airlines announced that it was running out of cash and may not be able to stay in business for another year, requiring more cash to stay afloat.

August 29, 2025: Spirit Airlines Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy for the Second Time

On August 29, 2025, Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year, as part of a plan to reduce its fleet and stabilize its position.

September 2025: Spirit Airlines Announces Furlough of Flight Attendants

In September 2025, Spirit announced it was planning to furlough one-third of its flight attendants—affecting around 1,800 people.

October 2025: Spirit Airlines Reveals "Shrink-to-Shine" Restructuring Plan

In October 2025, Spirit Airlines revealed further details of its "shrink-to-shine" restructuring plan. The plan included intentions to furlough 365 pilots and downgrade up to 170 additional pilots in the first quarter of 2026.

December 2025: Spirit Airlines Fleet Composition

As of December 2025, Spirit Airlines operates an all-Airbus A320 family fleet.

2025: Expected emergence from bankruptcy

Spirit expected to emerge from bankruptcy by the beginning of 2025.

2026: Pilot Furloughs and Downgrades

In the first quarter of 2026, as part of its restructuring plan, Spirit Airlines planned to furlough 365 pilots and downgrade up to 170 additional pilots.