KEY TAKEAWAYS: MSY expects other airlines to continue adding service on routes previously served by Spirit Airlines. Spirit reduced flights during its bankruptcy restructuring, opening opportunities for competing carriers. Airport officials say several airlines have already expanded service in affected markets. Future route growth will depend on continued passenger demand in the New Orleans region.   Officials at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport say they are optimistic that other airlines will continue expanding service on routes previously served by Spirit Airlines following the carrier’s service reductions during its bankruptcy proceedings. Spirit began scaling back service last year as part of its restructuring, creating opportunities for competing airlines to increase flights in several markets, according to an airport spokesperson. While airport officials said it is too early to fully assess the long-term impact of Spirit’s reduced presence, they noted that several carriers have already added capacity on routes affected by the airline’s pullback. “We remain hopeful that other air carriers will continue to add service across the markets previously served by Spirit Airlines as long as there is continued demand from the community,” Erin Burns, deputy director of aviation for customer experience, marketing and communications at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, said in a statement. Burns encouraged travelers to visit the airport’s website for information on nonstop destinations, parking, concessions and passenger amenities. The airport has continued to attract additional service from both existing and new carriers in recent years as airlines adjust their networks to meet travel demand. The extent to which other airlines replace Spirit’s former capacity will depend on sustained passenger demand in the New Orleans market, airport officials said. ...read more read less