Spirit Airlines collapsed this week after years of financial trouble. DFW is planning a major expansion, but travelers may soon feel the sting of higher fares.
DALLAS, Texas — Owen Hallinan came to DFW Airport this week to say goodbye.
The aviation enthusiast listened as Spirit Airlines’ final radio transmissions played out, then picked up a luggage tag — a keepsake from a carrier that no longer exists.
“It was kind of sad because they gave their goodbyes to ATC and ATC wished them the best of luck,” he said.
Spirit Airlines collapsed this week after years of financial trouble, with surging fuel prices delivering the final blow. Days later, the airline’s branding and kiosks were still visible in Terminal E — just two gates, a small footprint, but one whose loss could eventually ripple across the industry.
About 444 Spirit Airlines employees who are based in North Texas will lose their jobs, according to a layoff notice filed with the federal government. DFW Airport CEO Chris McLaughlin addressed the closure at the airport’s monthly board meeting, acknowledging the human cost.
“Our heart goes out to the thousands of men and women who have had their careers impacted by this bankruptcy,” he said.
But McLaughlin was quick to put the loss in perspective. Spirit had been operating out of just two gates at a time when DFW is in the middle of building 40 new ones — with plans to surpass 200 total when its current capital program is complete.
“Aviation is a cyclical business,” he said. “There are short-term impacts, there are periodic crises that affect the business, but the business has been resilient over decades.”
That growth is already well underway. DFW is currently building a $4 billion Terminal F, which will add 31 new gates for American Airlines.
For travelers, though, Spirit’s disappearance could mean more than empty gate space. Hallinan said the airline’s model kept the entire market honest.
“With their ultra-low-cost model, they pushed down the pricing for the other carriers,” he said. “Without Spirit, those prices are going to go up.”
At DFW, time never stands still. Travelers will be watching to see where prices land.