Spirit Airlines’ Hub-and-Spoke Model
As one of the leading ultra-low-cost carriers in the United States, Spirit Airlines operates on a hub-and-spoke model that helps deliver cost efficiencies and increased connectivity. This model involves the selection of specific airports to serve as hubs, where the airline can consolidate traffic from various destinations and connect passengers to other destinations. This strategy allows Spirit Airlines to offer more flights to more destinations while keeping its operating costs low. In this article, we will explore the airports that serve as hubs for Spirit Airlines.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is the largest hub for Spirit Airlines, with over 70% of the airline’s flights operating from this airport. The airport is located in Broward County, Florida, and serves as a gateway to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. As the airline’s primary hub, it offers non-stop flights to over 60 destinations, making it a popular choice for leisure travelers.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is the second-largest hub for Spirit Airlines, with over 10% of the airline’s flights operating from this airport. The airport is located in Romulus, Michigan, and serves as a gateway to the Midwest and Canada. As the airline’s secondary hub, it offers non-stop flights to over 20 destinations, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the third-largest hub for Spirit Airlines, with over 5% of the airline’s flights operating from this airport. The airport is located in Dallas, Texas, and serves as a gateway to the South, Southwest, and Mexico. As the airline’s tertiary hub, it offers non-stop flights to over 20 destinations, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the fourth-largest hub for Spirit Airlines, with over 4% of the airline’s flights operating from this airport. The airport is located in Orlando, Florida, and serves as a gateway to the Southeast and the Caribbean. As the airline’s quaternary hub, it offers non-stop flights to over 20 destinations, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Atlantic City International Airport (ACY)
Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) is the fifth-largest hub for Spirit Airlines, with over 3% of the airline’s flights operating from this airport. The airport is located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, and serves as a gateway to the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic. As the airline’s quinary hub, it offers non-stop flights to over 10 destinations, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.
McCarran International Airport (LAS)
McCarran International Airport (LAS) is the sixth-largest hub for Spirit Airlines, with over 3% of the airline’s flights operating from this airport. The airport is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and serves as a gateway to the West, Southwest, and Mexico. As the airline’s senary hub, it offers non-stop flights to over 10 destinations, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the seventh-largest hub for Spirit Airlines, with over 2% of the airline’s flights operating from this airport. The airport is located in Houston, Texas, and serves as a gateway to the South and Southwest. As the airline’s septenary hub, it offers non-stop flights to over 10 destinations, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is the eighth-largest hub for Spirit Airlines, with over 2% of the airline’s flights operating from this airport. The airport is located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and serves as a gateway to the Southeast. As the airline’s octonary hub, it offers non-stop flights to over 10 destinations, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is the ninth-largest hub for Spirit Airlines, with over 1% of the airline’s flights operating from this airport. The airport is located in Baltimore, Maryland, and serves as a gateway to the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic. As the airline’s nonary hub, it offers non-stop flights to over 10 destinations, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the tenth-largest hub for Spirit Airlines, with over 1% of the airline’s flights operating from this airport. The airport is located in Chicago, Illinois, and serves as a gateway to the Midwest and Canada. As the airline’s denary hub, it offers non-stop flights to over 10 destinations, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Conclusion: Spirit Airlines’ Hub Network Expansion
Spirit Airlines’ hub-and-spoke model has enabled the airline to offer low fares and increased connectivity to passengers traveling to and from the United States. As the airline continues to expand its network, it has been adding new destinations and increasing the frequency of existing routes from its hubs. With its focus on strategic expansion, Spirit Airlines is well-positioned to continue its growth in the ultra-low-cost carrier market.
