Spirit Airlines is poised to significantly boost travel connectivity within the Sunshine State by launching new nonstop flights between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Key West International Airport (EYW) starting November 6, 2025. The initial schedule includes four weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, increasing to daily service from December 18, 2025—just in time for the busy winter travel season.
This new route not only opens easier access to the culturally vibrant and sun-soaked island city of Key West but also positions Fort Lauderdale as a more strategic gateway to the Florida Keys, benefitting both domestic and international travelers.
Florida Air Connectivity on the Rise
With this addition, Spirit Airlines now operates flights to eight destinations within Florida, reinforcing its commitment to expanding low-cost travel options across the state. Key West joins a growing list of Floridian cities served by the airline, including Orlando, Miami, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, and Pensacola.
According to the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, Key West welcomed more than 2.5 million visitors in 2024, with a large share arriving through Fort Lauderdale. This direct route now eliminates the need for lengthy connections or drives along the scenic—but often congested—Overseas Highway.
Spirit’s expansion aligns with a broader push to improve regional air travel within Florida, an initiative supported by the Florida Department of Transportation’s 2025 Strategic Intermodal System Plan, which prioritizes regional airport enhancements and route diversity to sustain the state’s booming tourism economy.
Key West Tourism to Benefit from New Direct Access
Known for its rich literary history, vibrant LGBTQ+ community, coral reef snorkeling, and legendary sunsets at Mallory Square, Key West is one of the most visited small cities in the U.S.. Direct access from Fort Lauderdale will now make it easier for travelers from major metro areas like New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Boston to plan seamless vacations to the southernmost city in the continental United States.
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau also anticipates positive economic impacts, with the new route boosting inbound tourism to South Florida, especially for cruise passengers, who often fly into Fort Lauderdale before departing from Port Everglades.
Spirit Airlines Embraces Strategic Shift After Bankruptcy Recovery
This route launch comes as Spirit Airlines emerges from bankruptcy reorganization, completed in March 2025. The carrier has signaled a shift in strategy, seeking to rebrand from a strictly ultra-low-cost model to a more flexible hybrid carrier. New offerings include bundle fares, Big Front Seats, Wi-Fi upgrades, and complimentary food and beverage packages—all aimed at attracting a broader traveler base.
“Spirit is doubling down on Florida because that’s where demand continues to grow post-pandemic,” said a company spokesperson. “Key West represents the kind of high-value leisure destination that our evolving brand is built to serve.”
Fort Lauderdale: The Launchpad for Florida Adventures
Already one of Florida’s busiest airports, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is Spirit’s largest operating base and a critical transit hub for millions of travelers annually. The airport offers more than 700 daily flights to over 100 destinations, making it an ideal departure point for travelers en route to Key West and the Florida Keys.
Tourism leaders in Broward County highlight that this route supports increased flexibility for travelers combining urban beach getaways in Fort Lauderdale with island excursions in Key West. With easy access to both cities, Florida visitors can enjoy everything from luxury hotels to eco-tourism within a single trip.
Florida’s Tourism Growth in 2025
According to Visit Florida, the state’s tourism marketing corporation, Florida welcomed 139.7 million visitors in 2024, and projections suggest that 2025 could surpass the 150 million mark. With domestic travel dominating visitation trends, more routes like this one are key to sustaining that growth.
The Florida Keys & Key West Tourist Development Council has also invested in infrastructure improvements at Key West International Airport, which recently completed a $98 million terminal expansion to accommodate increased flight activity and enhance passenger comfort.
Why This Route Matters for Sustainable Florida Travel
Spirit’s new Key West route reflects broader trends in decentralizing Florida travel, aiming to relieve pressure from overcrowded hubs like Miami and Orlando. By promoting regional accessibility, these flights contribute to a more sustainable tourism model that distributes economic benefits across the state.
Additionally, for travelers seeking short-haul domestic getaways, Fort Lauderdale to Key West offers an attractive alternative to international travel—keeping vacation budgets lower and carbon footprints smaller.
Final Boarding Call: Bookings Now Open
Bookings for the new Fort Lauderdale–Key West route are now available on Spirit.com, with promotional fares expected to drive high early demand. Passengers are encouraged to book early to secure competitive pricing, especially during holiday and spring break travel windows.
Whether you’re a beach lover, history buff, or fishing enthusiast, Key West’s easy new access point makes it one of Florida’s most enticing destinations for 2025. With daily service in place by December, Spirit Airlines is helping travelers reconnect with paradise—one nonstop flight at a time.
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