CAE releases statement regarding Spirit Airlines ending service at airport

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) has released a statement after learning that Spirit Airlines will be exiting the market in October.

The airline will be leaving CAE on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

All routes currently operating at CAE which includes Orlando International Airport (MCO), Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) will no longer be available as of October.

This announcement comes after Spirit Airlines as once again filed for bankruptcy.

The company filed for bankruptcy last month, August 2025, after only beginning flights out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport in June 2025.

Statement from CAE regarding Spirit Airlines:

“Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) has learned that Spirit Airlines will be exiting the market effect Saturday, October 4. This includes all routes currently operating at CAE – Orlando International Airport (MCO), Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Spirit is directing all passengers with scheduled service after this date to contact Spirit Airlines Guest Care via the “Contact Us” section on Spirit.com. This news came as a shock to the entire airport team as all three routes saw consistently high load factors – which is the percentage of seats sold per flight. Additionally, the response from our passengers to this service proved this community can successfully sustain a low cost carrier. It is unfortunate that Spirit finds itself in this position, and we hope they are able to reorganize in the bankruptcy process. Should Spirit be able to regain its footing in the airline industry, we’ll be excited for the potential opportunity to welcome them back to CAE. Those looking to travel to Florida still have another low cost option in our partner Allegiant – who continues to fly to both Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) and Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL) two times a week on Thursdays and Sundays.” – Kim Crafton, Vice President of Marketing & Air Service Development.

Spirit Airlines is leaving CAE