04 Aug 2021 | 04:56 PM UTC
US: Spirit Airlines cancels over half of flights Aug. 4 due to operational difficulties
Spirit Airlines experiencing widespread flight disruptions as of Aug. 4; MCO, FLL, and SJU airports in US most severely affected.
Event
Spirit Airlines (NK) flight disruptions have continued into Aug. 4, with the airline canceling over 50 percent of its scheduled flights due to ongoing operational difficulties, including weather issues and crew shortages. Many of the airline's remaining flights have been delayed. The disruptions are occurring across the airline's network, but have been most severe at the airline's main Florida bases of Orlando (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL), as well as San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU).
Reports of a pilot strike at Spirit are false; there is no current labor dispute with the airline's pilots. Long lines are likely at Spirit Airlines check-in and customer service desks. The airline has indicated that flight disruptions will likely begin to subside Aug. 5.
Context
Like most major US carriers, Spirit is experiencing crew shortages as traveler numbers increase in the US. Many airlines have encouraged pilots and flight attendants to retire early or take buyouts amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now having difficulty hiring and training crews fast enough to keep up with rising demand. Further operational disruptions are likely at major US carriers through the rest of the summer.
Advice
Confirm all Spirit Airlines flights. Allow extra time for transit through airports with major Spirit operations.
