UPDATED

Spirit Airlines Flight Diverted To Daytona Beach

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UPDATE: Spirit Airlines has emailed News Daytona Beach an official statement regarding the flight:

Spirit Airlines flight 1005 from Philadelphia (PHL) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) landed safely at Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) following a suspected mechanical issue. Airport first responders met the plane as a precaution, and the plane was cleared to taxi to the gate where Guests deplaned under normal procedures. Safety is our top priority and we will be removing the plane from service to be inspected by our maintenance department. Our team is currently working on arranging alternate travel solutions for our Guests, and our Guests have been provided with meal vouchers and future travel vouchers for this inconvenience.

The airline did not confirm in its email if smoke was reported in the plane by any passengers or crew members.

Earlier reporting below.

Daytona Beach, FL - A Spirit Airlines flight on its way to South Florida diverts to Daytona Beach.

FlightAware, which tracks worldwide flights, says the plane—an Airbus A320NEO—was bound for Fort Lauderdale from Philadelphia when it made its landing at Daytona Beach International Airport. The flight took off from Philadelphia around 7:40 on Thursday (April 7) and flew down the coast as storms began to hit much of the southeastern United States. 

The plane eventually landed in Daytona Beach around 9:40. A spokesperson from the airport told News Daytona Beach that passengers have been deplaned, but it’s unclear if they will be placed on another flight or given alternate transportation.

It’s unknown when or why the pilots decided to divert the flight. Unconfirmed reports say smoke began to fill the plane after it was supposedly struck by lightning. News Daytona Beach has reached out to Spirit Airlines for comment. We are currently waiting on a response.

This situation is still developing. Check back later for updates.