Spirit Airlines’ bright yellow planes touched down at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) for the first time on October 7 as the Airport celebrated the arrival of their new carrier. The airline brought more exciting news with them, announcing the addition of a seasonal, nonstop route to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) starting April 20, 2022.

Spirit Airlines is the first new airline at MHT in 17 years and marks an exciting new period of expansion for MHT. Myrtle Beach, their newest addition, marks the first time MHT has had a nonstop flight to the state of South Carolina.

Spirit’s nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) from MHT started on October 7. In just six weeks, Spirit’s nonstop service to Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers (RSW) and Tampa International Airport (TPA) will begin on November 17 and 18, respectively.

To celebrate, the Airport pulled out all the stops and threw a big inaugural flight celebration at Spirit’s new gate, Gate 1. As part of the inaugural celebration, the airline provided Free Spirit vouchers to every passenger on the inbound FLL and outbound MCO flights. The vouchers are worth 1,000 points and can be redeemed on future Spirit flights.

Airport officials, Spirit officials and the passengers on the first outbound flight celebrated at Gate 1 as they waited with anticipation for the first Spirit plane to arrive. While waiting, they enjoyed a celebration of Florida-themed activities, starting at Spirit’s ticket counter with colorful floor stickers that led the way to Gate 1. Passengers took photos at a giant flip flop photo station, enjoyed a custom-designed, three-tiered cake from Frederick’s Pastries, and received inaugural flight certificates and other giveaway items.

At 4:30 p.m., all eyes turned outside to watch Spirit’s first plane touch down. The plane, arriving from Fort Lauderdale, received a “water salute”—a traditional airport welcome for new airlines or routes. Spirit Team Members assisted in the ribbon cutting at Gate 1.

Inbound passengers arriving at MHT enjoyed a New Hampshire fall-themed entrance into the Airport, with fall décor, Starbucks pumpkin spice coffee, apple cider donuts from NH Doughnut Co., and VisitNH giveaway items.

MHT and Spirit first announced the new carrier and flights on June 16, 2021.