United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) has added flights to 15 cities, increasing its capacity, it said, to give passengers connectivity options in case ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines abruptly collapses.
“If Spirit suddenly goes out of business it will be incredibly disruptive, so we are adding these flights to give their customers other options if they want or need them,” said Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president of Global Network Planning and Alliances.
The new flights start January 6, 2026, and include:
- one additional daily round-trip from Houston Intercontinental to Orlando International, Las Vegas Harry Reid, New Orleans International, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson, Baltimore International, and Miami International;
- one additional daily round-trip from Chicago O'Hare to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale International, New Orleans and Las Vegas;
- one additional daily frequency from New York Newark to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale;
- one additional daily frequency from Los Angeles International and Las Vegas;
- two new routes from Newark to Columbia, SC and Chattanooga Lovell; and
- three new weekly flights from Houston to Guatemala City and San Salvador International and one new weekly flight from Houston to San Pedro Sula.
Spirit Airlines filed for a second Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection process in late August. It recently announced it would discontinue service at 11 markets across the United States, effective from October 2, 2025, as it negotiates with lessors and potentially reduces its fleet size.
In a statement, Spirit Airlines said "while we appreciate the obsession certain airline executives have with us, we’re focused on competing and running a great operation. Suggesting anything else is wishful thinking on the part of a high-cost airline looking to eliminate a low-cost competitor."
Editorial Comment: Added comment from Spirit Airlines. - 09Sep2025 - 13:08 UTC