Spirit Airlines Sells Assets, Recalls Flight Attendants in Bankruptcy Overhaul

The budget carrier is making major changes as it navigates Chapter 11 proceedings.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Spirit Airlines, the Dania Beach-based budget carrier, is selling 20 of its planes as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. The airline also plans to recall 500 flight attendants who were furloughed last year and will increase service from Miami International Airport to Orlando starting in April.

Why it matters

Spirit's bankruptcy filing and asset sales signal the continued turbulence in the airline industry, as carriers grapple with the lingering impacts of the pandemic. The moves aim to help Spirit restructure its finances and operations, though the long-term viability of the budget model remains uncertain.

The details

As part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, Spirit Airlines is selling 20 of its aircraft. The airline also intends to recall 500 flight attendants who were furloughed in 2025. Additionally, Spirit plans to increase seasonal service between Miami International Airport and Orlando starting in April.

  • Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2026.
  • The airline furloughed 500 flight attendants in 2025.
  • Spirit plans to increase Miami-Orlando service starting in April.

The players

Spirit Airlines

A Dania Beach, Florida-based budget airline that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2026.

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What’s next

The bankruptcy court will oversee Spirit's restructuring process, including the asset sales and flight attendant recalls, as the airline works to emerge from Chapter 11 proceedings.

The takeaway

Spirit's bankruptcy and asset sales highlight the continued challenges facing the airline industry as it recovers from the pandemic's impacts. The budget carrier's moves aim to stabilize its finances, though the long-term viability of its model remains uncertain.