The recent announcement that Spirit Airlines has ceased operations nationwide, including at Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), marks the end of a long-standing chapter for the Grand Strand. For nearly 30 years, Spirit played an important role in connecting millions of travelers to Myrtle Beach.
“Our thoughts are with the many employees affected by this news,” said Judi Olmstead, MYR Director of Airports. “We are grateful to Spirit for nearly three decades of service to Myrtle Beach. At the same time, we remain confident in the resilience of MYR due to the deliberate steps taken in recent years to foster a balanced and competitive air service environment.”
While this news is unfortunate, especially for affected employees and travelers, the bigger picture is clear: Myrtle Beach remains open, accessible and ready to welcome visitors.
Visit Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach International Airport are working closely together, and with tourism and community partners, to support travelers and ensure a smooth transition.
As Visit Myrtle Beach President Stuart Butler shared, "Following Spirit Airlines’ announcement that it has ceased operations across the country, including at Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), Visit Myrtle Beach is working closely with MYR and community leaders to address the impact this has on our region, including supporting affected employees and travelers. While this news is unfortunate, Myrtle Beach remains accessible through a diverse network of carriers, and visitors should continue to travel with confidence. The greater Myrtle Beach region is resilient, and our goal is to keep Myrtle Beach accessible and affordable for visitors as well as provide a prosperous quality of life for residents."
That commitment extends across the entire tourism community from hotels and attractions to local businesses, all focused on delivering the experience visitors expect.
Air travel continues to evolve, and Myrtle Beach has consistently adapted to meet those changes. With a broad mix of airline partners and ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity, the Grand Strand is well-positioned to continue welcoming visitors from across the country.
A Destination Built on Accessibility
Myrtle Beach’s success as a top travel destination has never depended on a single airline. Today, MYR is served by a strong and diverse network of carriers, including American, Delta, Southwest, United, Allegiant, Breeze, Avelo, Frontier, and Sun Country.
That means visitors still have multiple options to reach the Grand Strand, whether by air or by road. Many of the markets previously served by Spirit continue to be connected through other airlines, ensuring continued access from key regions.
Airport leaders have also emphasized that efforts to expand and diversify air service in recent years have created a more balanced and resilient system, one designed to adapt in moments like this.
What Travelers Should Know
For those who had upcoming travel plans with Spirit Airlines, there are a few important steps to take:
- All Spirit flights have been canceled, and passengers are advised not to go to the airport
- Travelers should check directly with their credit card provider, airline, or booking platform regarding refunds
- Many other airlines are offering options for rebooking, including discounted fares for affected passengers
- Visitors are encouraged to explore alternative flights into MYR or nearby airports
For travelers planning a trip to Myrtle Beach, the message is simple: your vacation is still within reach.
For more information, visit www.flymyrtlebeach.com.
