Spirit Expands Caribbean Routes, Faces Pilot Furloughs

Spirit Airlines is launching new nonstop routes from Fort Lauderdale to Belize City, Belize on November 21, 2025, and to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands on December 4, 2025, with both routes operating three times weekly. The exclusive flights will be the only nonstop options from Fort Lauderdale to these destinations, with introductory one-way fares starting at $85 to Belize and $66 to Grand Cayman, available during special booking windows with blackout dates. This network expansion comes after Spirit's emergence from bankruptcy and is aimed at strengthening its position as the largest carrier at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Spirit plans to exceed 100 peak-day departures to over 70 destinations from Fort Lauderdale by the end of 2025. The airline is pursuing market opportunities amid competitors’ cutbacks and is introducing more premium services despite facing operational challenges, including planned pilot furloughs. The new routes are part of Spirit’s broader effort to enhance travel options to the Caribbean and Latin America.