Spirit Airlines cancels plans to launch flights from Macon to Fort Lauderdale this fall
The airline confirmed it will not begin service at Middle Georgia Regional Airport as originally scheduled for October 16.
UPDATE (9/4/25): Macon-Bibb County released the following statement regarding Spirit Airlines’ decision to cancel plans to bring flights from Macon to Fort Lauderdale:
“While it is unfortunate that Spirit Airlines has decided not to proceed with its planned service to Macon-Bibb this October, the Middle Georgia Regional Airport remains in a strong position for continued air service development. Our region offers a strong catchment area, a business-friendly environment, and the convenience travelers across Central Georgia value. Although Spirit will not be moving forward at this time, we continue to engage in productive discussions with other carriers who maintain strong interest in the Macon market. Our long-term vision for air service growth at MCN remains unchanged, and we are committed to advancing that mission on behalf of the community we serve.”
ORIGINAL STORY (9/3/25):
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Spirit Airlines says it will not launch service in Macon this fall, canceling plans announced in July to provide flights to South Florida from Middle Georgia Regional Airport.
The airline confirmed Wednesday that nonstop flights from Macon to Fort Lauderdale, scheduled to begin October 16, will not happen. Spirit also announced it will discontinue service in nearly a dozen other cities nationwide.
In a statement sent to 41NBC, the airline said:
“As part of our efforts to transform our business and position Spirit for long-term success, we are adjusting our network to focus on our strongest performing markets. As a result, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue service at Albuquerque (ABQ), Birmingham (BHM), Boise (BOI), Chattanooga (CHA), Columbia (CAE), Oakland (OAK), Portland (PDX), Sacramento (SMF), Salt Lake City (SLC), San Diego (SAN) and San Jose (SJC), effective the week of Oct. 2, 2025. Additionally, we are no longer moving forward with plans to launch service at Macon (MCN), which was scheduled to start Oct. 16.”
Spirit says it will contact travelers with affected reservations to offer refunds.
The reversal comes less than two months after Macon-Bibb County leaders announced the new service. At the time, Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller called the announcement a boost for tourism and economic development.
Spirit’s decision follows its second bankruptcy filing in less than a year. According to CNBC, the airline has faced financial struggles with rising costs, reduced domestic travel demand and competition from larger carriers.
Macon-Bibb County officials have not yet commented on Spirit’s cancellation.
