In a memo seen by CNBC on September 17, 2025, Spirit Airlines CEO Dave Davis informed staff that the airline intends to cut its November 2025 capacity by 25% compared to November 2024 to focus on its most profitable markets. “These evaluations will inevitably affect the size of our teams as we become a more efficient airline,” Davis wrote in the memo. Starting October 1, 2025, approximately 270 Spirit Airlines pilots will be furloughed, and 140 will be demoted from captain to first officer on November 1, 2025. On August 29, 2025, Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in less than a year, aiming to restructure its debts again. Spirit exited its first bankruptcy on March 13, 2025, after reducing its debt by about $795 million.