Our community's gateway to the skies may be facing a significant change as Spirit Airlines prepares to shut down operations, according to multiple news reports. The budget carrier has long been a familiar presence at Atlantic City International Airport, raising questions about what this means for travelers and our local economy.
Airport spokeswoman Kimberly Testa told BreakingAC that officials have not received formal notice from Spirit regarding service changes. "We are aware of media reports, but we cannot confirm or comment on speculation," she said.
However, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday that the situation appears dire. The ailing budget airline had been hoping to secure a $500 million government lifeline before running out of cash, but hasn't been able to get sufficient support between certain bondholders and the government to keep it in business, according to people familiar with the matter.
Other Airlines Already Serving Our Community
The good news for local travelers is that Spirit is far from the only carrier operating at the Egg Harbor Township airport. Tony Marino, who retired from the SJTA after a 25-year career, points out that the airport has weathered airline changes before.
Allegiant Air currently operates nonstop service to four Florida locations: Fort Lauderdale, Orlando/Sanford, St. Petersburg/Clearwater, and Punta Gorda, Florida. The carrier will add Myrtle Beach, S.C. service starting Wednesday, May 21, according to Testa.
Breeze Airways is also expanding its presence at ACY, beginning new nonstop service to Charleston, S.C. next week. The airline will add Raleigh/Durham, N.C. on Thursday, June 11 and Tampa, Fla. on Wednesday, July 1.
"We remain focused on maintaining a range of reliable, convenient air service options for our passengers and will provide updates as official information becomes available," Testa said.
A History of Resilience
Marino offered perspective on the airport's track record. "Probably 10 airlines have come and gone" in the airport's history, he said. "Now Spirit has come and is apparently going."
Four low-budget airlines remain operating nationwide, he noted, including the two that already have made a home at ACY. Both carriers have expressed enthusiasm about serving our region.
"We're thrilled to bring our brand of low-cost, high-value travel to one of New Jersey's most iconic destinations," Allegiant Chief Commercial Officer Drew Wells said during an announcement last August. "Connecting this vibrant community with several cities across Florida not only strengthens our leisure network, but opens up more affordable and convenient travel options for our customers in both regions."
Breeze Airways Founder and CEO David Neeleman echoed that sentiment during a January 28 announcement. "Atlantic City is not only a great destination for travelers, but also a gateway to many other metro areas," he said via video. "We know Atlantic City will be a welcome addition to our Guests in Charleston, Raleigh, and Tampa, and we look forward to introducing our new Guests in Atlantic City to Breeze."
Local Leaders Committed to Airport's Future
Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson is already thinking about long-term solutions for the airport. While acknowledging that no one has asked for his input yet, he has a bold proposal.
"My solution is to have Port Authority come down here and take over this airport," Levinson said. "They have the resources. They have the manpower. I would love to be able to get it done."
The county executive emphasized his commitment to maintaining air service at ACY. "It should be attractive to other airlines," he said. "I know people who drive by Newark to come to ACY. The parking is convenient, you're in and out, the lines aren't there. I want this airport to be viable."
Marino predicted that SJTA will work to fill Spirit's routes with Allegiant, and wouldn't be surprised if Frontier shows interest in coming to Atlantic City International. "We have a wonderful airport," he said, noting that it can accommodate several airlines with several gates.
Even American Airlines maintains a presence at the airport through its "Landline" luxury motorcoach service, which connects Atlantic City International directly to Philadelphia International Airport.
"There's going to be a lot of traffic at ACY," Marino said confidently. "And we probably will forget Spirit a year from now like we did all the other airlines before them."
