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Confirm News: Fly for Less! Spirit Airlines Launches Exciting New Routes from Atlanta to Columbus, Indy & San Antonio…..
Amid its desperate search for a lifeline, Spirit Airlines is focused on growing its network out of Atlanta. The ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) filed three new temporary routes to Ohio, Indiana, and Texas – which are set to begin in the Spring.
The news comes after Spirit drastically slashed more than 30 routes from its network last month. Following its failed merger with JetBlue Airways, the carrier has been introducing cost-cutting initiatives, which includes putting up more than 20 Airbus aircraft on sale.
Short-lived routes
According to Adrian Waltz, who tracks route changes indicated by aviation data and analytics provider Cirium, Spirit will be adding flights from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Indianapolis International Airport (IND), and San Antonio International Airport (SAT).
Data shows that the ATL-CMH and ATL-SAT routes will begin on April 9, 2025, while the ATL-IND service is set to commence on May 7th. Between ATL and CMH, Spirit has a total of 44 flights scheduled in April on the A320neo . The service will be offered in daily frequencies in each direction, offering 7,744 seats during the month. However, it will be temporary, as it is only scheduled through May 21st. There are 42 flights scheduled throughout May, providing nearly 7,400 seats.
ATL-SAT will follow the same operating schedule, with daily flights through May 21st. The route will also be operated by the A320neo. Spirit’s service between ATL and IND, will last for the shortest amount of time. Flights will operate daily in each direction, but only through May 21st. A total of 30 frequencies are scheduled, offering 5,280 seats. Simple Flying contacted Spirit for comment on the short-lived routes, but a representative could not be immediately reached.
Who else flies the routes?
Spirit will compete with two other carriers on the three routes. Delta Air Lines , the largest operator at ATL, understandably offers service on all three routes. In May, the carrier will operate a whopping 496 flights between ATL and CMH on the Boeing 737-900ER, providing 88,846 seats. Southwest Airlines also flies the route and will offer 9,410 seats across a total of 62 frequencies throughout May.
Interestingly, Southwest will also operate 62 flights between ATL and SAT during the month. However, it will offer slightly more seats – 9,762 – as only the 737-800 and MAX 8 will be deployed on the route. Delta will dominate with 484 frequencies operated by the A320 and A321, providing just over 89,000 seats.
Between ATL and IND, the US legacy carrier has 496 frequencies scheduled in May. The 737-900ER will handle the majority, but the 757-200 will be deployed as well. A total of 90,458 seats will be offered. Southwest will similarly operate 62 flights on the route on the 737-700, -800, and MAX 8, providing more than 9,959 seats.
Struggling to stay afloat
Spirit has been in the headlines for the better part of a month for unfortunate reasons. As it has struggled to generate revenue, the airline announced pilot furloughs earlier this year.
Spirit Airlines aircraft in Cancun, Mexico shutterstock_2270944877
Recent reports have highlighted that the carrier is interested in a potential merger with its main contender, Frontier Airlines, while other reports have indicated imminent layoffs in an effort to save money .
