Fort Lauderdale was Spirit Airlines’ gateway to Puerto Rico.
Over the years, the airline has built one of the busiest low-cost Puerto Rico networks in the continental U.S. from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, offering nonstop, all-day flights to San Juan, Aguadilla and Ponce.
When Spirit closed earlier this month, Puerto Rico lost more flights from Fort Lauderdale than any other mainland city.
The route connects the largest VFR markets in South Florida and Puerto Rico while also serving travelers seeking the lowest fares in the Caribbean.
Now airlines are competing to fill the gap.
JetBlue is expanding rapidly in Puerto Rico.
The largest alternative carrier is JetBlue, which expanded rapidly into Puerto Rico after departing from Fort Lauderdale following the collapse of Spirit.
This includes expanded service to both San Juan and Aguadilla and a new daily non-stop route between Fort Lauderdale and Ponce starting July 9.
The Ponce route disappeared briefly after Spirit closed, leaving travelers from southern Puerto Rico without a direct route to southern Florida.
JetBlue is now bringing back the route. The airline has also added more capacity across Puerto Rico, building Fort Lauderdale into a larger Caribbean hub.
What routes are still operating in Fort Lauderdale?
Travelers still have several nonstop flight options between Fort Lauderdale and Puerto Rico.
Flights between Fort Lauderdale and San Juan are currently operated by JetBlue, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. The Fort Lauderdale-Aguadilla service is currently operated by JetBlue. Flights between Fort Lauderdale and Ponce return July 9 via JetBlue.
That means all three Puerto Rico destinations previously served by Spirit from Fort Lauderdale now either have replacement service already in operation or have flights starting this summer.
Why Fort Lauderdale is so important
Spirit has built much of its Caribbean network around Fort Lauderdale because of the airport’s proximity to South Florida’s large Puerto Rican population and its lower operating costs compared to Miami International Airport.
The airline has turned Fort Lauderdale-San Juan into one of its flagship Caribbean routes, often operating multiple daily flights and market-beating fares.
Aguadilla became an important route for travelers to western Puerto Rico, and Ponce provided nonstop service from southern Puerto Rico to southern Florida.
For many travelers, Fort Lauderdale has become the easiest and cheapest way to reach Puerto Rico from the mainland.
What are the current rates?
This remains the biggest question.
Spirit has spent years lowering ticket prices on Puerto Rico routes from South Florida. Industry analysts expect freight rates to rise in markets where competition at ultra-low prices has disappeared.
Frontier still offers travelers a cheaper option on its San Juan route, and JetBlue has added promotional pricing and additional seats throughout Puerto Rico, absorbing demand from Spirit’s former network.
Puerto Rico still has direct flights from Fort Lauderdale. But now the airport’s route map looks very different.
