Spirit Airlines shuts down, prompting Myrtle Beach International Airport journey advisory

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) launched a journey advisory Saturday morning after Spirit Airlines went out of enterprise after greater than three many years.

Spirit Airlines, recognized for low cost fares, introduced Saturday that every one flight operations have stopped, and even customer support is shut down.

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The low-cost airline employed about 17,000 folks with lots of of each day flights, mentioned it had “started an orderly wind-down of our operations, effective immediately.”

In a social media publish from MYR, it mentioned partially, “Passengers scheduled to travel on Spirit Airlines should not come to the airport, unless already booked with a new airline. Customers who purchased tickets via credit card should contact their credit card issuer or travel agency regarding refunds and next steps.”

This comes after Spirit Airlines had been pushing to safe a $500 million take care of the federal government earlier than operating out of funds.

FULL MYR STATEMENT:

In a information launch from MYR, it mentioned Spirit Airlines’ practically 30-year partnership was one of many airport’s longest-serving and most impactful airline companions.

The assertion added, “Spirit Airlines played a significant role in shaping the air service landscape of the Grand Strand, helping to establish MYR as a vibrant and accessible destination for millions of travelers. The airport team is deeply grateful for Spirit’s decades of service and for the dedication of its employees—both in Myrtle Beach and nationwide—who supported operations and served the community.”

The launch mentioned, “The operational volatility experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of reducing reliance on any single carrier. In 2020, Spirit accounted for nearly 50 percent of MYR’s total seat capacity, prompting airport leadership to reassess its long-term air service strategy.”

The assertion mentioned that after the 2020 pandemic, MYR put in place an air service growth technique to broaden journey choices. Spirit’s share of complete capability at MYR dropped to round 23% in 2025, reflecting a extra balanced mixture of airline service. Airport employees are actively engaged with different airways, with hopes that many routes beforehand served by Spirit could also be reintroduced by different carriers.

“Our thoughts are with the many employees affected by this news,” mentioned Judi Olmstead, Director of Airports. “We are grateful to Spirit for nearly three decades of service to Myrtle Beach. At the same time, we remain confident in the resilience of MYR due to the deliberate steps taken in recent years to foster a balanced and competitive air service environment.”

Visit Myrtle Beach additionally spoke out about Spirit operations stopping throughout the nation and within the Grand Strand.

“Following Spirit Airlines’ announcement that it has ceased operations across the country, including at MYR, Visit Myrtle Beach is working closely with MYR and community leaders to address the impact this has on our region, including supporting affected employees and travelers,” mentioned Stuart Butler, President, Visit Myrtle Beach. “While this news is unfortunate, Myrtle Beach remains accessible through a diverse network of carriers, and visitors should continue to travel with confidence. The greater Myrtle Beach region is resilient, and our goal is to keep Myrtle Beach accessible and affordable for visitors as well as provide a prosperous quality of life for residents.”