Spirit Airlines to End Service at Rochester Airport
Travelers departing from the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport will soon have one fewer airline option. Monroe County announced that Spirit Airlines will discontinue operations in and out of Rochester after January 7, 2026, following its recent bankruptcy filing.
The airline has faced ongoing financial challenges since the pandemic, citing low domestic travel demand as a major factor. This marks Spirit’s second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in less than a year, leading to service cuts at several U.S. airports.
Impact on Rochester Flights
Currently, Spirit Airlines operates nonstop routes from Rochester to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. According to county officials, Southwest Airlines will continue offering nonstop Saturday flights to Orlando, with plans to expand to daily service beginning in January. Avelo Airlines will also maintain several weekly flights to the Lakeland/Orlando airport.
Statement from Airport Director Andy Moore
“Spirit Airlines will no longer operate at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) after January 7, 2026, as a result of their recent bankruptcy filing. The airline is in Chapter 11 for the second time in less than a year and is ending operations in several airports around the country.”
Summary
Spirit Airlines will withdraw from Rochester in early 2026 due to bankruptcy, but travelers will still have Orlando flight options through Southwest and Avelo Airlines.
Author’s Summary: Spirit Airlines’ withdrawal from Rochester reflects its broader financial troubles, yet local routes remain supported by other carriers.