Spirit Airlines is recalling certified pilots as it looks to emerge from bankruptcy

Spirit Airlines is recalling all furloughed pilots after higher-than-expected attrition strained its operation, according to a company memo, reviewed by CNBC.

The budget carrier said late last month that it plans to further reduce its schedule and emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late spring or early summer. This is the airline’s second bankruptcy filing in less than a year.

Spirit Airlines has furloughed hundreds of pilots in 2024 and 2025 to save millions of dollars and match a smaller operation than the low-cost carrier used to run. But pilots also chose to take on other jobs, leading to Spirit being understaffed.

“Pilot attrition has been higher than expected, making precise alignment between staffing and the reduced schedule more difficult,” the airline told employees in a memo last week. “Although these recalls will not arrive in time to support spring break and Easter, they strengthen the foundation of our post-bankruptcy future.”

Spirit confirmed that on Monday it sent notices to about 500 pilots who were furloughed between September 1, 2024 and November 1, 2025, inviting them to return to work as “we continue to make adjustments to meet the evolving needs of our business.”

Last month, Spirit similarly said it would recall furloughed flight attendants.