Windsor Locks, CT — Spirit Airlines has announced it will officially end service from Bradley International Airport at the end of October 2025. The low-cost carrier first launched operations at Bradley in April 2017, giving Connecticut travelers more affordable flight options. After more than eight years, Spirit is leaving the Hartford-area airport as part of a broader restructuring plan.
Spirit Airlines Bankruptcy and Restructuring
The decision comes shortly after Spirit’s parent company, Spirit Aviation Holdings, filed for bankruptcy in late August. This marks the airline’s second bankruptcy filing in less than a year, as it works to cut debt and stabilize operations. Along with shutting down its Bradley service, the airline also plans to furlough around 1,800 flight attendants and cancel 40 routes nationwide.
In addition to Connecticut, Spirit Airlines is also exiting Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) in Minnesota by December 1, 2025.
Refunds for Affected Travelers
Spirit Airlines has assured passengers that anyone with upcoming reservations out of Bradley International will receive a full refund. “We will reach out directly to those with affected bookings to issue refunds,” the airline said in a statement.
Bradley International Airport Responds
The Connecticut Airport Authority confirmed Spirit’s final day of service will be October 31, 2025. Brian Spyros, spokesperson for the authority, thanked the airline for its presence in Hartford over the past eight years.
“Spirit Airlines has been an important part of Bradley International Airport’s network,” Spyros said. “We are grateful for their investment in Connecticut and will be ready to welcome them back if their circumstances change.”
Routes Covered by Other Airlines
Although Spirit’s departure is disappointing for many travelers, airport officials emphasized that other airlines already fly to the same destinations Spirit served, including Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Myrtle Beach. Carriers such as Delta, JetBlue, Frontier, United, Southwest, and American Airlines will continue to operate these routes.
Just last year, Spirit expanded service from Bradley to Detroit and Nashville, but those routes will no longer be available after October.
Final Fares Before Departure
For its last weeks at Bradley, Spirit is offering limited flights to Florida. Fares to Fort Lauderdale start at $49 each way, while flights to Orlando in October are listed above $80.
Spirit Airlines Statement
“As part of our ongoing restructuring, we are focusing on our strongest markets,” Spirit said in its official announcement. “This includes the difficult decision to discontinue service at Hartford (BDL) and Minneapolis (MSP). We thank our community partners in Connecticut and Minnesota for their support.”
The airline also clarified that no further airport exits are planned at this time.
The Bigger Picture
While Spirit Airlines’ exit from Bradley International Airport marks the end of a low-cost travel option for Connecticut flyers, the airport remains well-served by major U.S. carriers. The impact on nonstop routes is expected to be minimal, but Spirit’s financial struggles highlight ongoing turbulence in the airline industry.
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