Spirit Airlines is departing San Diego — and won't be back
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- In a move that's sending turbulence through the travel industry — and disappointing budget-conscious flyers across the region — Spirit Airlines has announced it will be pulling out of San Diego International Airport (SAN) this fall, ending all operations in the city.
According to a spokesperson with the airlines, the decision to depart indefinitely is part of a business strategy shift to "focus on [its] strongest performing markets."
San Diego is one of 11 cities being from from Spirit's air network, alongside Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boise, Chattanooga, Columbia, Oakland, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, and San Jose. Service to those airports will end the week of Oct. 2, 2025.
With the abrupt announcement, some San Diego travelers — who have already purchased Spirit Airlines flights beyond the end-service date — are wondering what this means for their travel plans.
In regards to this issue, a spokesperson said, "We apologize to our guests for any inconvenience this may cause and will reach out to those with affected reservations to notify them of their options, including a refund."
The airlines departure from America's Finest City and other popular U.S. metros comes as Spirit Airlines navigates competition in the low-cost travel space.
Still, for some San Diegans, Spirit's departure marks the end of an era — one of plastic seats, bright yellow planes and and last-minute deals that made spontaneous travel possible.
