Columbia, SC, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Spirit Airlines has announced the termination of all operations at Columbia Metropolitan Airport effective October 4, as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. The airline, which recently launched service in June, offered flights to destinations like Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Newark. Passengers with future bookings are advised to contact Spirit for refunds or alternative arrangements. Although the departure is significant for the airport, other airlines, including Allegiant and United, plan to fill service gaps with new routes.
Columbia, SC – Spirit Airlines will cease all operations at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), effective October 4, 2025, following its recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. This marks a significant change for the airport and its passengers, as the airline previously offered direct flights to key destinations including Orlando International Airport (MCO), Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
The airline described the decision to halt services as part of a necessary “comprehensive restructuring” effort aimed at ensuring long-term viability. Spirit Airlines is facing substantial financial challenges, reporting a long-term debt of $2.4 billion, primarily due by 2030, and a negative cash flow reaching $1 billion by the end of the second quarter of 2025. This marks Spirit’s second bankruptcy filing in the current year.
All passengers with flights booked after October 4 are encouraged to reach out to Spirit Airlines’ Guest Care via their official website for assistance regarding alternative travel arrangements or potential refunds. The termination of service comes as a surprise to officials at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, where the airline had only launched its service in June 2025. CAE’s Vice President of Marketing & Air Service Development noted that the three routes managed high load factors, suggesting a solid demand from local passengers.
Despite the discontinuation of Spirit Airlines’ routes, CAE remains optimistic about the future. If the airline successfully navigates through its restructuring process post-bankruptcy, the airport is open to the possibility of welcoming Spirit back in the future. In the meantime, Allegiant Airlines will maintain its operations, servicing routes to Florida with flights to Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) and Fort Lauderdale, operating twice weekly.
To mitigate the impact of Spirit’s departure on the local travel market, United Airlines has announced plans to introduce new nonstop service routes from Columbia Metropolitan Airport, set to launch on January 7, 2026. These moves are an effort to ensure residents still have access to vital air travel options.
The fallout from Spirit Airlines’ bankruptcy stretches beyond just Columbia Metropolitan Airport, affecting multiple locations, including Albuquerque and Birmingham. As the airline navigates its financial difficulties, passengers and community members alike are left anticipating the potential long-term changes in service availability at their local airports.
Spirit’s exit from CAE reiterates the ongoing challenges facing the airline industry, especially for low-cost carriers. In response, airport officials express hope that the local market can sustain low-cost travel and that opportunities remain for future partnerships.
FAQs
When will Spirit Airlines cease operations at Columbia Metropolitan Airport?
Spirit Airlines will end all operations at Columbia Metropolitan Airport effective October 4, 2025.
What routes are affected by the service termination?
The affected routes include flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO), Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
What should passengers do if they have booked flights after October 4?
Passengers with flights booked after October 4 should contact Spirit Airlines Guest Care through their website for assistance and refunds.
Are there any other airlines continuing service to Florida from Columbia Metropolitan Airport?
Yes, Allegiant Airlines will continue to offer flights to Florida, including twice-weekly services to Orlando Sanford International Airport and Fort Lauderdale.
Will there be new flight options following Spirit Airlines’ departure?
Yes, United Airlines has announced new nonstop service routes from Columbia starting January 7, 2026, to help fill the service gap left by Spirit’s exit.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Termination Date | October 4, 2025 |
| Affected Routes | Orlando (MCO), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Newark (EWR) |
| Reason for Termination | Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing |
| Allegiant Airlines Operations | Flights to Orlando Sanford (SFB) and Fort Lauderdale twice weekly |
| New Routes by United Airlines | Starting January 7, 2026 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Spirit Airlines Launches Nonstop Flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Columbia Metropolitan Airport Expands to Serve Growing Traffic
Columbia Introduces Innovative Camera-Based Ticketing System
Columbia Families Celebrate Christmas Reunions at Airport
Additional Resources
- Columbia Business Report
- WIS TV
- WLTX
- The State
- Cola Daily
- Wikipedia: Spirit Airlines
- Google Search: Spirit Airlines Columbia Metropolitan Airport
- Google Scholar: Spirit Airlines bankruptcy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bankruptcy
- Google News: Spirit Airlines
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