Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Spirit Airlines Opens New Route: Direct Flights to Key West from Fort Lauderdale—The Ultimate Florida Getaway

Published on
November 8, 2025

Spirit Airlines, known for its budget-friendly fares, has expanded its service offerings with a new, direct flight between Fort Lauderdale and Key West, two popular destinations in South Florida. This new route, which began operations on November 6, 2025, aims to provide an easy and affordable alternative to the long drive that many travelers face when heading to the Florida Keys. Initially operating on a limited schedule with flights on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the service will ramp up to daily operations beginning on December 18, coinciding with the Christmas holiday season. This marks a significant development for the airline and enhances its position in the Florida market, especially as a hometown carrier for the region.

Spirit Airlines’ Hometown Advantage

Spirit Airlines, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, has long been a staple in South Florida’s air travel landscape. With the launch of this new Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Key West International Airport (EYW) route, Spirit aims to provide a more convenient and faster way for travelers to reach the renowned Florida Keys. Rather than dealing with the inconvenience of a multi-hour road trip, passengers can now make the journey in under an hour, experiencing the tropical allure of Key West without the hassle of long drives.

Andrea Lusso, the Vice President of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines, shared the airline’s enthusiasm for the new route, emphasizing how it offers a smooth and efficient way for South Florida travelers to reach what is known as one of the most picturesque and laid-back vacation spots in the U.S.

“Key West lives up to its reputation as an island paradise, and now Fort Lauderdale travelers can get to their Florida Keys vacation in under an hour,” Lusso explained. Spirit Airlines’ efforts to expand within Florida reflect its commitment to serving local communities and ensuring convenient and affordable travel options for residents and visitors alike.

Key West: Spirit’s Newest Florida Destination

The addition of Key West to Spirit’s network marks a significant milestone for the airline, making it the eighth destination in Florida that Spirit serves. The new route connects Fort Lauderdale with Key West, joining other popular Florida cities on Spirit’s extensive network, including Fort Myers, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, Tampa, West Palm Beach, and, of course, Fort Lauderdale. By enhancing its footprint in Florida, Spirit continues to cater to both domestic and international travelers seeking affordable and straightforward ways to navigate the region.

The Florida Keys, especially Key West, have always been a highly desirable vacation spot, known for their laid-back lifestyle, pristine beaches, and unique cultural experiences. With Spirit’s new flights, travelers can quickly reach this stunning location without dealing with the traditional bottleneck of road traffic, especially during peak travel seasons.

Additionally, Spirit’s entry into Key West’s air travel market places it in competition with established carriers, including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Breeze Airways, and JetBlue Airways, all of which also offer services to and from this iconic Florida destination. The presence of multiple airlines ensures that travelers can benefit from a variety of options and potentially lower prices when booking flights to Key West.

The Impact on Tourism and the Florida Keys

The introduction of Spirit Airlines at Key West International Airport has been warmly received by local tourism officials. Richard Strickland, the executive director of airports at Key West International Airport, noted that this new route will significantly benefit both the tourism industry and the community as a whole. Strickland highlighted the importance of having a low-cost carrier like Spirit Airlines connecting Key West to dozens of destinations across the airline’s extensive network.

“This convenient new route will connect the Keys to dozens of destinations across Spirit’s network, further broadening our global reach,” said Strickland. By introducing affordable air travel options, Spirit Airlines plays a crucial role in attracting both new visitors and encouraging repeat trips to Key West and the surrounding areas. In addition to the tourism benefits, this new route also supports the local economy by potentially increasing foot traffic and spending in the region’s hospitality, retail, and service industries.

Air Travel Challenges Amid Government Shutdown

The announcement of Spirit Airlines’ new service to Key West comes at a time when the U.S. airline industry is facing significant challenges due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, is the longest in U.S. history, and its effects have been felt throughout the air travel sector. The shutdown has led to disruptions in air traffic control services, as air traffic controllers and other Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)employees are not receiving paychecks but are still required to work as essential workers.

These staffing issues have contributed to an increase in flight delays and cancellations across the country, as the FAA works with limited resources to manage the nation’s airspace. The situation has placed a strain on airlines, which are now having to adjust their schedules and plan for potential delays due to the reduced capacity of the air traffic control system. The shutdown is primarily driven by political disagreements over government spending, particularly regarding the continuation of Affordable Care Act subsidies and other contentious issues.

Despite these challenges, Spirit Airlines and other carriers have continued to operate, with the airline industry urging Congress to end the shutdown and provide the necessary funding to keep air travel running smoothly. As airlines and airports navigate this uncertain environment, Spirit Airlines is focused on expanding its network and maintaining its commitment to serving both existing and new markets, including the Florida Keys.

The Future of Air Travel in Florida

As Spirit Airlines continues to grow its presence in Florida, the launch of new routes like the one connecting Fort Lauderdale to Key West signals a broader trend in the airline industry. With competition between carriers heating up and travelers seeking more affordable and accessible options, Spirit is positioning itself as a key player in the Florida air travel market. This is especially important given the unique challenges presented by the ongoing government shutdownand the strain it has placed on the FAA.

By expanding to new destinations and offering low-cost fares, Spirit Airlines is not only providing a convenient option for travelers heading to the Florida Keys, but it is also contributing to the overall growth of tourism in the region. Whether travelers are visiting the Florida Keys for a short weekend getaway or a longer holiday trip, Spirit Airlinesoffers an efficient and budget-friendly way to reach this idyllic island paradise.

With an expected increase in travel demand during the Christmas holiday season, Spirit Airlines is well-positioned to cater to the needs of both Florida residents and out-of-state visitors looking for an affordable and fast way to reach Key West. As Spirit Airlines continues to expand its offerings, the airline’s influence in the Florida travel market is likely to grow, benefiting travelers who value affordability, convenience, and accessibility.

Conclusion

The introduction of direct flights between Fort Lauderdale and Key West by Spirit Airlines is a welcome development for travelers seeking easy access to the Florida Keys. With affordable fares and a quick flight time, Spirit provides an attractive alternative to the lengthy drive from South Florida to Key West, making it easier for visitors to experience all that the island paradise has to offer. In addition to benefiting travelers, the new route also strengthens Spirit Airlines’ position in Florida, complementing its existing network of destinations across the state. As the airline navigates challenges posed by the ongoing government shutdown, its focus on expanding its Florida footprint and offering convenient travel options remains a priority, ensuring that passengers can continue to enjoy affordable access to one of the most beautiful regions in the U.S.

As the new route between Fort Lauderdale and Key West sets the stage for future growth in the region, it is clear that Spirit Airlines continues to be a major force in the affordable travel market, making vacation dreams a reality for countless travelers across the country. With additional routes planned and the airline’s commitment to providing affordable and efficient service, Spirit is ensuring that travelers have more ways than ever to explore Florida and beyond.