Spirit Airlines<\/a> is postponing plans to fly to Mexico’s newest major airport before it’s even opened to international airlines.<\/p>\n In a statement to TPG on Wednesday afternoon, Spirit confirmed it is postponing the start of its planned service<\/a> to Tulum’s Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO) indefinitely.<\/p>\n The carrier will be reaching out to customers with flights already booked to offer alternative flights or a refund, a spokesperson said.<\/p>\n Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG’s free biweekly Aviation newsletter<\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n The airline blames the route postponement on ongoing operational constraints related to the defects on a number of Airbus A321neo engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney. Airline executives noted continued challenges posed by the defects during Spirit’s earnings call last week. Dozens of Spirit’s jets are grounded due to the ongoing issue, which has become a major head wind as Spirit tries to return to profitability \u2014 and forced the airline to make other route cuts<\/a> in recent months.<\/p>\n Spirit was set to join a host of other major U.S. airlines<\/a> in launching service to the new Tulum airport once it opens to international carriers March 28. The airport has been operating for domestic Mexico flights since December.<\/p>\n Spirit had plans to serve Tulum from both Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).<\/p>\n Ishrion Aviation was first to report<\/a> the route cutback on social media, which TPG confirmed with the carrier.<\/p>\n
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