Airlines Signal Potential Domestic Flight Reduction Amid Budget Carriers’ Crisis
Major airlines are raising concerns about possible reductions in domestic flights as the industry grapples with increasing pressures in 2025. Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle cautioned during the company’s Q2 earnings call that schedule cuts might be unavoidable due to declining profitability.
This warning emerges amidst a clear divide within the US aviation sector between major carriers and budget airlines. Large network carriers such as Delta, United, and American Airlines are reporting robust profits. For instance, Delta posted earnings of $16.6 billion in Q2 2025, while American set a new revenue record with $14.4 billion. On the other hand, low-cost carriers are facing considerable struggles.
Spirit Airlines has expressed “substantial doubt” about its ability to maintain operations over the next year. This statement underscores the severe challenges that budget carriers are encountering. Factors such as rising costs, overcapacity, and weaker leisure fares in certain markets are exerting pressure on the entire industry. Additionally, weather disruptions persist in affecting schedules nationwide.
Sources: Yahoo Finance and Travel and Tour World