Spirit Airlines has announced that it will be postponing its planned service to Mexico’s newest major airport, Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport in Tulum. The airline cites ongoing operational constraints related to defects on a number of Airbus A321neo engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney as the reason for the delay. This has resulted in dozens of Spirit’s jets being grounded, causing significant challenges for the airline as it tries to return to profitability.
The route to Tulum was set to launch on March 28 and would have connected the airport to both Orlando International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. However, Spirit has now confirmed that it will be reaching out to customers with flights already booked to offer alternative flights or a refund.
This delay is a setback for Spirit as it had planned to join other major U.S. airlines in launching service to the new Tulum airport. American Airlines, for example, will begin serving Tulum from its hubs at Miami International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport starting in April. United Airlines also has plans to fly to Tulum from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Despite the postponement, Spirit remains optimistic about its plans for Tulum. The airline sees this delay as temporary and hopes to reinstate its service to the new airport once practical. This would provide travelers with an option to fly to Tulum aboard an ultra-low-cost carrier.
In the meantime, Spirit continues to offer service to Cancun International Airport, which is located about 70 miles from Tulum. Other U.S. airlines are moving forward with their plans to fly to Tulum, providing travelers with alternative options.
Overall, the postponement of Spirit’s service to Tulum is a setback for the airline, but it remains committed to serving the destination in the future. Travelers who had booked flights to Tulum with Spirit will be contacted by the airline to discuss alternative options or refunds.