Is Spirit Airlines’ Budget-Friendly Route to Belize at Risk?

Just days after Belizeans were excited about Spirit Airlines’ new flights to Belize, the budget carrier revealed it is facing serious financial challenges, even five months after emerging from bankruptcy.

Spirit plans to start three weekly flights between Fort Lauderdale and Belize City this November, with fares as low as eighty-five US dollars one-way.

Though it’s known for its low fares, the airline is now struggling to boost profits and cut costs, which has led to layoffs and flight reductions. In a filing with the Securities Exchange Commission on Monday, Spirit Airlines warned that without additional liquidity, “management has concluded there is substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern within 12 months from the date these financial statements are issued.”

This has raised concerns about whether Spirit can sustain the new service.

Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler explained last week that Belize offers incentives to attract airlines. “That’s why we try to give a lot of incentives in terms of the landing fees and all of that here in Belize,” he said. “We work closely with the management group at the airport. And so they provide some concessions as well.”