Spirit Airlines launches non-stop flights from Columbus to Atlanta

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Spirit Airlines is set to begin non-stop flights from John Glenn Columbus International Airport to Atlanta.

Its first flight departed Wednesday morning.

The new route was first announced in October, shortly before the discount carrier filed for bankruptcy. More recently, Spirit restructured its board and emerged from bankruptcy, now planning to move forward without CEO Ted Christie, who stepped down Monday, according to Reuters.

The Atlanta route adds to the existing direct flight options provided by Delta and Southwest airlines. Frontier Airlines, which not long ago appeared interested in merging with Spirit, also is planning to introduce the same route in June.

Atlanta is the most popular destination for flights departing from Columbus, followed by Chicago. Both cities serve as major airline hubs.