Spirit Airlines Ends Service at Rochester Airport
Travelers will soon have one fewer airline option at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. Monroe County announced on Thursday that Spirit Airlines plans to stop operating flights in and out of Rochester after January 7, 2026, following the airline’s recent bankruptcy filing.
Spirit Airlines has faced difficulties since the pandemic, attributing struggles to low domestic travel demand. Currently, Spirit offers nonstop flights from Rochester to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.
Alternatives to Spirit Airlines from Rochester
- Southwest Airlines provides nonstop flights to Orlando every Saturday and will begin daily Orlando flights starting in January.
- Avelo Airlines also offers multiple weekly flights to the Lakeland/Orlando area.
Statement from Rochester Airport Director Andy Moore
“Spirit Airlines will no longer operate at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) after January 7, 2026 as a result of their recent bankruptcy filing. The airline is in Chapter 11 for the second time in less than a year and is ending operations in several airports around the country.”
Despite Spirit’s departure, Rochester continues to maintain strong connectivity to popular Florida destinations through other airlines.
Author’s Summary
Spirit Airlines will cease Rochester operations early 2026 due to bankruptcy, but Southwest and Avelo Airlines will continue providing multiple Florida routes.