Spirit Airlines is in turbulence mode — and not the kind you get at 35,000 feet.

After reporting a nearly $200 million loss in Q2 of 2024, Spirit is making another round of big changes to its network. These aren’t just minor adjustments. We’re talking about cutting up to 35 routes and exiting 44 markets by the end of September compared to last year.

Sure, Spirit has also added 77 new markets this year, but the overall trend is clear. They’re shrinking in some places, growing in others, and all while dealing with some major operational headaches.

What’s really behind the shake-up?

A big part of the problem comes down to Pratt and Whitney GTF engine issues. These engines power Spirit’s A320neo and A321neo jets — and dozens of those aircraft are currently grounded. According to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data, Spirit has 21 A320neos and two A321neos sitting in storage right now. That’s a lot of grounded capacity for an airline that runs a tight schedule.

The Route Cuts

Spirit’s latest schedule update from Cirium Diio shows that starting in September, October, and November, these routes will disappear from their network:

ATL – ORD
BDL – MCO
BNA – BOS
BNA – LGA
BNA – MIA
BOS – CHS
BOS – CMH
BOS – IAH
BOS – MCI
BOS – ORD
BOS – ORF
BOS – PIT
BUR – PDX
CHS – DTW
CHS – LAS
CHS – LGA
CLT – ORD
CMH – DFW
CMH – EWR
DFW – MCI
DFW – MEM
DFW – MKE
DFW – PHL
DTW – MCI
DTW – EWR
FLL – SLC
LAS – MSP
LAS – SDF
LAS – STL
LAX – SDF
LGA – PIT
PDX – SAN
PDX – SJC
SAN – SLC

When the dust settles, Spirit will operate about 18% fewer flights in Q4 2024 compared to the same period last year.

What this means for travelers

If you’re a frequent Spirit flyer, you’ll want to double-check your upcoming trips. Even if your city isn’t on this list, the network shake-up could affect connections and flight availability. Spirit may shift aircraft to focus on higher-performing routes, which could mean more competition (and higher prices) on the routes they keep.

Bottom line: Spirit’s not going anywhere, but they’re flying through some serious headwinds right now. Between financial pressure, grounded planes, and a reshaped route map, the airline is clearly in survival mode while trying to keep costs low and schedules tight.