Spirit Airlines Announces Furloughs for 365 Pilots Amid Restructuring

Spirit Airlines has announced plans to furlough 365 pilots and downgrade the status of up to 170 pilots in the first quarter of 2026. This decision is part of a broader restructuring effort following the airline’s second bankruptcy filing in August 2025. The ultra-low-cost carrier is aiming to cut $100 million in annual pilot-related expenses to conserve cash.

In a statement, the airline emphasized its commitment to aligning staffing levels with its previously announced capacity reductions and a smaller operating fleet. The company stated, “As part of our ongoing restructuring, we are taking additional steps to align staffing across our organization.”

Impact on Staff and Operations

Spirit Airlines currently employs approximately 2,400 pilots, and this latest round of furloughs follows earlier decisions to furlough about 330 pilots and an additional 270 pilots set for November 2025. The airline has also decided to furlough around 1,800 flight attendants, which constitutes about one-third of its cabin crew, effective December 1, 2025.

John Bendoraitis, Chief Operating Officer of Spirit Airlines, reassured employees in a memo that the estimated furloughs may decrease in the coming weeks as voluntary attrition occurs. The bidding process for positions will commence at the end of November.

In addition to pilot and flight attendant furloughs, Spirit plans to implement reductions across its corporate teams and will make staffing adjustments at its maintenance stations. The airline will close its maintenance operations and warehouse facilities in Baltimore and Chicago, effective January 1, 2026.

Financial Outlook

According to Spirit Airlines, these furloughs are expected to save the company approximately $211 million. The airline has projected losses of $804 million for the fiscal year 2025. To return to profitability by 2027, Spirit’s transformation plan necessitates a reduction in its network throughout 2026.

The airline’s recent actions reflect ongoing challenges within the aviation sector, particularly for low-cost carriers. As they navigate through financial difficulties, Spirit Airlines is making critical adjustments to its operational structure, aiming to stabilize and eventually recover in the competitive airline market.

The restructuring process, while difficult for employees, is seen as essential for the airline’s long-term sustainability. As Spirit Airlines moves forward, its focus remains on aligning operational costs with the current economic landscape.

Reporting by Doyinsola Oladipo in New York and Rajesh Kumar Singh in Chicago; edited by Diane Craft, Deepa Babington, and David Gregorio.