Spirit Airlines’ Surprise Move: Why This Tiny Georgia Airport Could Change the Game for Your Next Getaway!

Who would have thought that a little ol’ airport in Middle Georgia could stir up such a flutter in the airline world? Spirit Airlines is kicking off its brand-new partnership with Contour Airlines by making Middle Georgia Regional Airport (MCN) in Macon its inaugural destination under this fresh alliance. Starting October 16, you can hop on a twice-weekly Airbus A320 flight from sunny Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) straight to Macon— and here’s the kicker—introductory fares beckon at just $49.99 one-way. Now, isn’t that a cheeky way to shake up the usual suspects in regional air travel? What’s more, Contour’s stepping in to handle the ground services at MCN, tightening their handshake in this venture aimed at weaving better connectivity to those underserved pockets of America. It’s a bold move from Spirit, freshly out of bankruptcy and eager to spread its wings in a new, collaborative way. Curious how this will reshape travel maps and offer fresh routes where once there were none? Let’s unpack what this means for travelers and the regional skies alike. LEARN MORE

Spirit Airlines will fly to Middle Georgia Regional Airport (MCN) in Macon, Georgia, as the first destination under its new partnership with regional carrier Contour Airlines.

The airline will offer twice-weekly flights between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and MCN on an Airbus A320-family aircraft beginning Oct. 16, Spirit said Thursday. Introductory airfares begin at $49.99 one-way.

As part of the pact, Contour will handle ground services for Spirit at MCN.

Best airlines report 2025: Delta tops TPG’s rankings for seventh straight year

Contour already serves MCN twice daily from Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C., subsidized under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Essential Air Service program, schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows.

MCN will become Spirit’s third city in Georgia, joining Atlanta and Savannah. The new MCN-FLL route is also the first under the partnership with Contour, unveiled in May. The airlines touted the pact as a way to expand air connectivity to “underserved communities across the country.” Spirit will add flights to Contour’s EAS markets across the U.S. from “major leisure destinations,” and Contour will provide ground services and cross-market the new flights.

Daily Newsletter

Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter

Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

The tie-up is Spirit’s first since it emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March. The airline slashed debt and shrank its fleet through the restructuring that followed its failed attempt to merge with JetBlue.

Spirit is a significantly smaller airline following its restructuring. The airline flew nearly a fifth fewer seats during the first six months of 2025 than it did last year, according to Cirium.

Contour serves 23 EAS and small communities across the U.S., including MCN, Cirium schedules show. Others include Barkley Regional Airport (PAH) in Paducah, Kentucky; Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) in Moab, Utah; and Shenandoah Valley Airport (SHD) in Weyers Cave, Virginia.

However, the Spirit-Contour pact does not include any tie-up between the airlines and Spirit’s Free Spirit loyalty program.

Related reading: