US ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines is entering a new, exciting chapter in its 20+ year history in Puerto Rico today by launching its expansion at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU).
The carrier is launching daily nonstop flight options between San Juan and destinations across the eastern half of the U.S. to include Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), and Detroit (DTW), with a nonstop flight to Hartford (BDL) starting on June 7.
Network expansion
This growth makes travel to Spirit’s number one Caribbean destination easier for more Guests across the U.S. and builds the carrier’s largest SJU operation to-date.
In addition to the new routes, Spirit today increased SJU service to include five daily flights to Orlando (MCO), and two daily flights to Baltimore (BWI), Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Newark (EWR).
The growing frequency adds more opportunities to connect Puerto Ricans with family and friends, as well as making leisure travel between popular destinations easier than ever. Our commitment to Puerto Rico stretches more than two decades.”
“It’s exciting for us to celebrate today with an expansion that grows our SJU service to the largest it’s ever been, now serving 16 nonstop destinations plus increased frequencies to key markets,” said Bobby Schroeter, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Spirit Airlines.
“We’re so thankful to the Puerto Rican community for embracing us, and we’re grateful for our incredible Spirit Family members in San Juan, Aguadilla & Ponce, and our valued airport partners,” he said.
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Two decades of Puerto Rico flight ops
Spirit Airlines has a significant history of operating flights to and from Puerto Rico. The airline began serving Puerto Rico in 2001, offering flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU).
Over the years, Spirit Airlines expanded its operations within Puerto Rico by introducing additional routes connecting San Juan to various cities in the United States.
The airline aimed to provide affordable options for travelers seeking to visit the island or fly from Puerto Rico to mainland destinations.
San Juan became one of Spirit Airlines’ focus cities and a hub for connecting flights to other destinations in the Caribbean. By leveraging its low-cost model, the airline attracted both leisure and business travelers.
Spirit Airlines gradually expanded its route network from Puerto Rico, offering flights to popular destinations such as Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, New York City, Boston, and Chicago, among others.
These routes catered to the demand for travel between Puerto Rico and the mainland United States.
In September 2017, Puerto Rico was severely impacted by Hurricane Maria, causing disruptions to Spirit Airlines’ operations.
However, the airline resumed services as conditions improved and played a role in facilitating relief efforts by operating humanitarian flights.
Community focus
“Our celebration includes a donation from The Spirit Charitable Foundation which is focused on giving back to the communities where we live and work.”
“Our San Juan Team Members have been longtime supporters of Hogar Niñito Jesús and our donation is in support of their work caring for children in need of shelter,” Schroeter added.
Spirit and its partners employ nearly 1,000 Puerto Ricans on the island across three airports and its aircraft maintenance facility in Aguadilla. This new expansion will also create about 80 new jobs in San Juan.
