Spirit Airlines Takes Off in Chattanooga with First-Ever Nonstop Flights to Newark and Orlando

CHATTANOOGA, TN-(WDEF) — With yellow balloons, boarding passes in hand, and excitement filling the terminal, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport celebrated a major milestone this week.

Spirit Airlines has officially launched its first-ever nonstop flights from the Scenic City, connecting travelers directly to Newark, New Jersey (EWR), and Orlando, Florida (MCO). The new service marks a major step forward in expanding air travel access for the region.

“Chattanooga now has Spirit, and we’re so excited to celebrate the launch of the city’s only nonstop services to Newark and Orlando,” said Duncan Dee, Senior Vice President of Communications at Spirit Airlines. “Our new Chattanooga service isn’t just about expanding our network—it’s a meaningful step for travelers to gain easy access to three key metro areas along the East Coast and convenient one-stop connections across our network.”

The inaugural flights kicked off Wednesday, June 4, with nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FLL), set to begin Thursday, June 5.

Officials say the new routes are expected to drive both tourism and economic growth.

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly echoed that enthusiasm: “It’s a huge benefit to Chattanooga. Not only does it connect people to Newark and Orlando, but it allows us to reach major markets across the country and even the world. We’re grateful for Spirit, and it’s a happy day in Chattanooga.”

Spirit becomes the third commercial airline serving Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, and this launch makes the Scenic City the third Tennessee market for Spirit, following earlier expansions in Nashville and Memphis.