History of Spirit Airlines in Timeline

Spirit Airlines is an American ultra-low-cost carrier based in Florida, operating scheduled flights across the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America. As of 2023, it ranked as the seventh-largest passenger carrier in North America and the largest ultra-low-cost carrier. The airline underwent Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024, emerging after financial restructuring in March 2025.

1999: Headquarters Relocation to Miramar

In 1999, Spirit Airlines relocated its headquarters to 2800 Executive Way, Miramar, Florida, from its previous location in Eastpointe.

2014: Headquarters Renovation

In 2014, Spirit Airlines' headquarters in Miramar, Florida, underwent a renovation.

2016: Employee Count at Miramar Headquarters

As of 2016, Spirit Airlines had 600 employees located at its headquarters in Miramar, Florida.

2019: Announcement of New Headquarters

In 2019, Spirit Airlines announced plans to move to a new headquarters in the Dania Pointe development in Dania Beach, Florida, with an investment of $250 million. The new headquarters was planned to house 1,000 employees and occupy up to 500,000 square feet.

July 2022: JetBlue Agrees to Purchase Spirit Airlines

In July 2022, JetBlue reached an agreement to purchase Spirit Airlines for $33.50 per share. The deal, which required shareholder approval, aimed to create the fifth-largest airline in the United States.

2022: Merger Announced

In early 2022, the $2.9 billion merger between Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines was announced. The merger did not go through.

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

In October 2023, the trial began regarding the Department of Justice's lawsuit to block JetBlue's acquisition of Spirit Airlines. The Department of Justice alleged that the merger would result in "higher fares, fewer seats, and harm millions of consumers".

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, citing anticompetitive concerns that the deal would harm consumers and other airline corporations. Following this decision, Spirit Airlines' stock fell by approximately 47%, raising concerns about the airline's future.

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

On March 4, 2024, JetBlue ended its attempt to take over Spirit Airlines. This decision was made after a federal judge ruled that the move would reduce competition in the airline industry.

September 2024: Spirit Airlines Destinations and Crew Bases

As of September 2024, Spirit Airlines flies to 83 destinations throughout Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and the United States. It maintains crew bases at Atlanta, Chicago–O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston–Intercontinental, Las Vegas, Miami, Newark, and Orlando.

November 2024: Spirit Airlines Prepares for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

In November 2024, Spirit Airlines announced its preparation to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company's stock experienced a significant drop of over 50%, and its quarterly results would not be revealed due to the impending announcement.

November 18, 2024: Spirit Airlines Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

On November 18, 2024, Spirit Airlines officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, with reported assets and liabilities between $1 billion and $10 billion. The company cited mounting losses, failed merger agreements, rising debt, and high competition as contributing factors. Despite the filing, Spirit Airlines plans to continue its operations throughout the bankruptcy process and anticipates emerging by the beginning of 2025. As a result of the bankruptcy filing, Spirit Airlines will be delisted from the NYSE.

2024: Bankruptcy Filing and NYSE Delisting

In 2024, Spirit Airlines, Inc., a Delaware corporation publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: SAVE), filed for bankruptcy, leading to its delisting from the NYSE.

2024: New Headquarters Opens for Business

In April 2024, the new Spirit Airlines headquarters officially opened for business. The headquarters is located in the Dania Pointe complex.

January 2025: Frontier Airlines Offers to Purchase Spirit Airlines Again

In January 2025, Frontier Airlines made another offer to purchase Spirit Airlines. Spirit rejected the $2.1 billion offer in stock and cash, which also required Spirit's creditors to invest $350 million.

March 2025: Spirit Airlines Emerges from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

In March 2025, Spirit Airlines successfully emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This followed the finalization of its debt and the approval of its take-private bankruptcy plan in February.

March 2025: Spirit Airlines Fleet Composition

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

2025: Expected Emergence from Bankruptcy

In 2025, Spirit Airlines expects to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company plans to continue to operate throughout the bankruptcy and expects to emerge by the beginning of 2025.