Chattanooga Airport (CHA) celebrated a milestone on Wednesday with the inaugural departures of Spirit Airlines’ first-ever nonstop flights from the Scenic City to Newark, New Jersey (EWR) and Orlando, Florida (MCO). These launches mark the beginning of new direct services to three major destinations: Newark (EWR), Orlando (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL), with the inaugural Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FLL) flight scheduled for June 5.
“Partnering with Spirit Airlines marks a significant step forward in expanding travel options for our region,” said April Cameron, president and CEO of Chattanooga Airport. “These new nonstop routes open the door to high-value connections for our passengers and strengthen Chattanooga’s role as a gateway to and from the Southeast. We appreciate Spirit’s investment in our community and look forward to welcoming travelers from across these key destinations to the Scenic City.”
The new service will operate up to four times weekly for Newark and Orlando and three times weekly for Fort Lauderdale, offering travelers more flexibility and convenience just in time for summer travel.
“People want to fly local, and Spirit’s new nonstop services create new opportunities for them and our businesses," said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “I often say air service development is economic development and this is another great example. As Chattanooga continues to grow, the airport’s expanded service is critical in attracting and retaining more businesses.”
Jim Hall, chairman of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority Board of Commissioners, emphasized the broader regional benefits, “The new service is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy, supporting tourism, improving business travel and opening new pathways for regional growth.”
Chattanooga becomes Spirit’s third destination in Tennessee, following successful launches in Nashville (2019) and Memphis (2022).
"Chattanooga is a beautiful city with so much to offer, and we're excited to launch our inaugural CHA service to make it easier for more travelers to discover its natural scenery and vibrant culture," said Duncan Dee, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications at Spirit Airlines. "Thank you to Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport for their partnership, and we look forward to introducing high-value travel for Chattanoogans to visit major East Coast cities with world-class attractions and beautiful beaches."
This launch marks the first new air carrier to enter the Chattanooga market since 2016, when United Airlines joined the airport’s lineup. The airline’s arrival comes as CHA continues to invest in terminal modernization and infrastructure improvements designed to meet significant growth and enhance the overall travel experience.