Airport officials say Tampa International Airport is better positioned than many Florida airports to withstand the collapse of Spirit Airlines because no single airline dominates the airport’s traffic and competing carriers already serve most major routes.
Spirit Airlines ceased operations this month after failing to secure a financial rescue during bankruptcy proceedings, triggering concerns across the airline industry about reduced connectivity, rising fares and thousands of lost jobs.
Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens said Tampa Bay’s air travel market remains more insulated from disruption because the airport has spent years building a diversified carrier base rather than relying heavily on one airline…