Spirit Airlines
United StatesAbout the airline
Spirit Airlines (NK/NKS) was an ultra low-cost carrier based in the United States, operating from hubs in Fort Lauderdale, Atlantic City, and Detroit. Known for budget fares and à la carte pricing, it served routes across the US, Caribbean, and Latin America until ceasing operations in May 2026.
Fleet
Spirit Airlines (IATA: NK, ICAO: NKS) was a United States–based airline founded in 1980. Operating as an ultra low-cost carrier, Spirit built its business model around base fares with optional add-on charges for services like checked baggage, seat selection, and priority boarding. This approach attracted cost-conscious travelers willing to pay only for what they used.
The airline maintained three primary hubs: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida, Atlantic City International Airport in New Jersey, and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Michigan. From these bases, Spirit operated a network spanning the continental United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America, offering connections to popular leisure and business destinations across the region.
Spirit's fleet consisted entirely of narrow-body Airbus aircraft, including A319, A320, and A321 models, alongside their newer neo variants (A320neo and A321neo). This standardized fleet simplified maintenance and crew training while delivering fuel efficiency on its typical short- to medium-haul routes. The airline ceased operations on May 2, 2026.