Impacts of Spirit Airlines’ departure from Bradley International Airport

WINDSOR LOCKS, CT. (WGGB/WSHM) - Monday, Spirit Airlines announced they will be ceasing operations with Bradley International Airport, effective October 31.

The bright yellow planes won’t be headed to Bradley anymore due to the airline filing for bankruptcy protection just a few months ago.

Spirit filed for bankruptcy just after emerging from a chapter 11 reorganization. Originally, the ultra-low-cost airline said it would plan to fly as usual during this restructuring process, making sure employees and contractors were still getting paid and passengers could still book trips and use credits and loyalty points.

Spirit Airlines released a statement apologizing for any impacts on travelers. According to the airport, it was a decision made entirely by Spirit Airlines, and people getting on and off the planes at Bradley were shocked to hear the news. “It’s gonna be a bummer, it won’t be as easy.” Said plane traveler Tracy Marino of South Carolina.

Frequent flyers from New England and beyond, shared their concerns about Spirit Airline’s recent announcement that they will be ceasing operations, effective October 31.

One of those travelers, Barbara Steed of Hartford Connecticut, told Western Mass News exactly why this is an inconvenience for her “Thats heartbreaking because my stepdaughter lives in Myrtle Beach and that’s where we fly in to direct, so that’s really a hardship.” Steed said she is used to hopping on one of the bright yellow flights and all the advantages: “It’s usually on time, the price is good, dependable, safe.”

But Monday morning, Spirit Airlines and Bradley International Airport each issued their own statements regarding the end of their relationship… at least for now. Bradley international writing: “Spirit Airlines has been an integral part of Bradley International Airport’s airline network over the last eight years. We thank Spirit Airlines for their investment in the Hartford market and will be ready to welcome them back when their current circumstances change.”

Spirit Airlines wrote in part: “We apologize to our guests for any inconvenience and will reach out to those with affected reservations to issue a refund”

Now Bradley isn’t the only airport that Spirit is cutting ties with following their ongoing bankruptcy restructuring and operational changes. The airline also plans to discontinue flights at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International airport starting December 1.

The good news for travelers is that Bradley already features other airlines that flies to the same destinations that Spirit currently does, so the airport will not be losing any nonstop routes.

We have reached out to spirit airlines for comment on if this will impact any jobs at Bradley, but we have not yet heard back.