Spirit Airlines’ impressive steady growth in low-cost nonstop service saw a serious spike today when it announced the addition of 10 new destinations for nonstop service out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) — seven of those serving Latin American locations.
Beginning in May 2015, Spirit will stretch its wings beyond domestic service already available at Bush Intercontinental, adding nonstop flights to Cancun, Los Cabos and Toluca in Mexico, as well as service to Managua, Nicaragua; San Jose, Costa Rica; San Pedro Sula, Honduras; and San Salvador, El Salvador.
“Spirit Airlines undoubtedly recognizes the opportunities associated with an economy as dynamic as Houston’s,” said Houston Aviation Director Mario C. Diaz. “The Spirit team arrived at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in 2012 offering two nonstop destinations, but with this new announcement that destination total will soon stand at 22. They’ve already proven their commitment to an aggressive growth strategy on the domestic front and now we’re anxious to see them apply that same philosophy to Houston’s international route map.”
The expansion nearly doubled the nonstop service offered by Spirit from Bush Intercontinental, adding to a roster that already includes flights to Chicago-O’Hare, Denver, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New Orleans, Orlando, and San Diego.
“We’re excited to offer our customers in Houston the opportunity to fly to and from these great destinations without having to spend a ton of money getting there,” said Ben Baldanza, Spirit Airlines’ President & CEO. “Whether you’re visiting family or the great attractions these cities have to offer, Spirit’s Ultra-Low Bare Fares™ along with Frill Control™ allow many more travelers to fly to these great cities who previously could not afford it.”
The new routes will make Spirit one of the busiest carriers operating out of Bush Intercontinental.
Spirit joins the latest in what has become a parade of new service coming to Bush Intercontinental — most of those new routes reaching the fast-growing Latin American markets. IAH is on pace to see a record 10 million international passengers this year, and approximately 6 million of that total will be passengers bound for Latin American destinations.
“Our region’s dynamic economy continues to bolster its global reputation and drive demand for expanded air service connecting Houston with vital destinations across the globe,” said Jorge Franz, the Vice President of Tourism and International Group Sales for the Greater Houston and Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Spirit recognizes Houston’s position as a business and leisure destination with limitless potential, and we are thrilled they are expanding our region’s footprint with air service to Mexico, Central America and beyond.”
New Mexican Destinations**
| Destination | State Date | Frequency |
| Cancun, Mexico (CUN) | 05/07/15 | 3/week (increases to daily 06/11/15) |
| Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD) | 05/07/15 | 2/week (increases to 4/week 06/11/15) |
| Toluca/Mexico City, Mexico (TLC)* | 05/07/15 | 2/week (increases to 3/week 06/11/15) |
New Central American Destinations**
| Destination | State Date | Frequency |
| Managua, Nicarague (MGA) | 05/28/15 | 3/week |
| San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) | 05/28/15 | 4/week |
| San Pedro Sula, Honduras (SAP) | 05/28/15 | 3/week |
| San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL) | 5/28/15 | 4/week |
* Routes served for summer season only
** International routes are subject to foreign governmental approval
As well, Spirit announced the addition of nonstop service to Tampa, Oakland and Baltimore beginning in March 2015.
New U.S. Destinations
| Destination | Start Date | Frequency |
| Tampa (TPA) | 05/26/15 | Daily |
| Baltimore/Washington, DC (BWI) | 05/27/15 | Daily |
| Oakland/San Francisco Bay (OAK)* | 04/16/2015 | Daily |
*Routes served for summer season only
Customers can check out the insanely low fares on flights and vacation packages offered every day at spirit.com and also sign up to receive email alerts on Spirit’s deals and offers.
About Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines (NASDAQ: SAVE) empowers customers to save money on air travel by offering ultra- low base fares with a range of optional services for a fee, allowing customers the freedom to choose only the extras they value. This innovative approach grows the traveling market and stimulates new economic activity while creating new jobs. Spirit's modern fleet, configuration and other innovations enable Spirit to burn less fuel per seat than competitors, making Spirit one of the most environmentally-friendly U.S. carriers. Spirit’s all-Airbus fleet currently operates more than 270 daily flights to 55 destinations within the U.S., Latin America and Caribbean. Visit Spirit at spirit.com.
About the Houston Airport System
Houston Airports served more than 50 million passengers in 2013. Houston’s three airports — George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD) — contribute more than $27.5 billion to the regional economy. IAH and HOU collectively provide nonstop flights to more than 175 destinations worldwide. For more information, visit fly2houston.com. Get social with Houston Airports by following us on Twitter @IAH and @HobbyAirport.
MEDIA NOTE: Spirit aircraft photos and video b-roll are available in the press room section of spirit.com.