Budget travelers, buckle up for some turbulent news. Spirit Airlines is cutting ties completely with Bay Area airports, marking a significant shift in local air travel options. The airline, which has been struggling financially since the pandemic, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last November and is now pulling out of San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and even Sacramento International Airport.

The impact goes beyond just the Bay Area. Spirit is discontinuing service in multiple cities across the United States, including Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boise, and San Diego. This massive route reduction comes after the airline reported losing a staggering $2.5 billion since the beginning of 2020.

For Bay Area residents who relied on Spirit’s budget-friendly fares, this news might feel like a sudden departure. The airline’s last day of service in these markets will be Thursday, October 2nd. In their official statement, Spirit apologized for any inconvenience and assured passengers with existing reservations that they will be notified of their options, including full refunds.

Interestingly, the market isn’t going completely dark. United and Frontier Airlines are already positioning themselves to fill the void left by Spirit, expanding their flight schedules and hoping to capture the displaced travelers.

This development underscores the ongoing challenges in the airline industry, particularly for budget carriers. The pandemic has reshaped travel patterns and financial landscapes, forcing companies to make difficult strategic decisions. For Bay Area travelers, this means adapting to a new air travel ecosystem and potentially higher ticket prices.

As the dust settles, passengers are advised to review their upcoming travel plans, check their reservations, and explore alternative airlines and routes. The silver lining? Competition might bring innovative solutions and new opportunities in the local air travel market.