Spirit Airlines is making headlines among airlines. The company plans to lay off approximately 1,800 flight attendants by the end of this year. The airline currently employs approximately 5,200 flight attendants and offers flights to more than 75 destinations in North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The plan is reportedly due to a restructuring process following its second bankruptcy filing in less than a year.
“We recognize the impact of this decision on affected team members, and we are committed to treating them with care”
When a company restructures, employees are often concerned about their jobs, as reducing staff is one of the first steps they take, especially in large companies. In this case, the decision has already been made, although, according to the airline, the layoffs will be effective December 1, 2025. “We recognize the impact of this decision on affected team members, and we are committed to treating them with care and respect during this process,” the statement said.
The first step is for Spirit to first offer flight attendants voluntary resignations before initiating forced layoffs
In situations like this, the course of action can seem complex. Since this is a decision based on the company’s financial means, it’s logical that the first step is for Spirit to first offer flight attendants voluntary resignations before initiating forced layoffs. The official statement reads: “As part of our ongoing restructuring, we are taking steps to align staffing with our fleet size and expected flight volume. In line with this process, we have made the difficult decision to furlough approximately 1,800 flight attendants, effective Dec. 1, 2025. We recognize the impact of this decision on affected team members, and we are committed to treating them with care and respect during this process.”
The situation has not improved or there is no prospect of a positive resurgence after those 12 months
As we’ve previously reported, the company has been experiencing a difficult financial period. In November 2024, Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy. The company cited difficulties with profitability and demand, illustrated by “substantial doubt as to the company’s ability to continue as a going concern 12 months from now,” according to a quarterly filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Based on recent developments, the situation has not improved or there is no prospect of a positive resurgence after those 12 months.
The airline is seeking to optimize its network by reducing operations in less profitable markets and focusing on stronger ones
In any case, the airline will continue its efforts to get the company back on its feet. CEO Dave Davis explained in a statement last week that the airline is seeking to optimize its network by reducing operations in less profitable markets and focusing on stronger ones to improve its financial stability. In early September, it had already announced another flight reduction to 11 cities starting October 2 and also canceled a new destination scheduled to begin operations that same month. Thus, the situation does not appear likely to change positively in the coming months.
Involuntary layoffs in reverse order of seniority until reaching 1,800, in accordance with the flight attendants’ contracts
Regarding the layoffs, the airline explains that after the voluntary redundancies, management will proceed with involuntary layoffs in reverse order of seniority until reaching 1,800, in accordance with the flight attendants’ contracts. This has been specified by the workers’ union. This is bad news for the workers, who are now working to find new positions.
