Spirit Airlines Launches New Service from DFW International Airport to Chicago O’Hare

(DFW AIRPORT, TX – August 18, 2011) – Spirit Airlines today launched its inaugural flights between DFW International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport with the arrival of flight 903. Spirit’s new service to Chicago consists of two flights a day, plus a third daily flight to be added on a seasonal basis starting in September.

“We are very pleased to welcome the new Spirit Airlines flights from DFW to Chicago O’Hare.” said Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW International Airport. “Spirit’s new service benefits our passengers with even more travel options and competitive fares, and the airline has already become quite popular here at DFW in just a few months.”

In May, Spirit Airlines launched twice-daily nonstop service from Dallas/Fort Worth to Fort Lauderdale and to Las Vegas. 

The new Chicago flights add a low-cost carrier option to one of DFW’s busiest routes. Currently, DFW averages 23 flights a day to Chicago O’Hare, second behind only Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in the number of daily departures from DFW.

“At DFW, our core mission is to attract new air service for the residents of Dallas-Fort Worth,” said Fegan. “Adding any new flight benefits our entire region in terms of economic impact and new opportunities for business, trade and travel.”

The economic impact of all of Spirit’s new flights is estimated at over $200 million annually into Dallas-Fort Worth, in the form of new visitors and spending with local businesses.

With the Spirit launch of Chicago service, DFW continues one of its best years ever in adding new air service. The Airport has seen the arrival of three new airlines in fiscal year 2011, including Qantas Airways and Virgin America. DFW has also experienced a record year for new international destinations, adding service to a total of nine international cities this year.