Dozens of bright yellow jets once operated by Spirit Airlines are now sitting idle in the Arizona desert after being repossessed by leasing companies, according to aviation officials.

The aircraft are currently parked in a storage field following the shutdown of operations involving the planes. Industry experts say the jets were not owned directly by Spirit Airlines, but instead leased through outside companies that quickly moved to reclaim the aircraft.

One aviation contractor involved in the process said crews had only a matter of hours to coordinate the recovery effort and relocate the planes.

That process included hiring former Spirit pilots who had suddenly found themselves out of work to help ferry the aircraft to storage facilities in Arizona.

“The reason I’m empathetic to all this is because I’ve been in the same situation four or five times,” one aviation worker said. “I was with airlines that closed their doors overnight. I woke up the next morning not having a job. I’m worried about how I’m going to make my mortgage, how I can pay for health care. I have little kids.”

Officials say the future of the aircraft remains uncertain. Depending on what the leasing companies decide, the planes could eventually return to service with another airline, be dismantled for parts, or scrapped altogether.

Spirit Airlines has not announced whether the aircraft could return to operations.

The 2026 NFL Draft is over, but the 2026 NFL schedule is here!

While Arizona Cardinals fans should be excited about Jeremiyah Love and all the new additions, the release of the regular season schedule turns a mere daydream of fall into a more concrete 17-game reality check.

The Cardinals finished last season 3-14, missed the playoffs, and now have a new path towards the postseason.

Shop Cardinals 2026 tickets

As a Cardinals fan, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to commune with your fellow fans and see State Farm Stadium in all its glory.

The first game of the NFL season is less than three months away, be the first to secure your tickets to see the Arizona Cardinals play this season.

Arizona Cardinals 2026 NFL schedule, tickets

• Week 1: Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers – Sunday, Sept. 13 at 4:25 p.m. ET
• Week 2: Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks – Sunday, Sept. 20 at 4:25 p.m. ET
• Week 3: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers – Sunday, Sept. 27 at 4:05 p.m. ET
• Week 4: Arizona Cardinals at New York Giants – Sunday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. ET
• Week 5: Arizona Cardinals vs. Detroit Lions – Sunday, Oct. 11 at 4:25 p.m. ET
• Week 6: Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams – Sunday, Oct. 18 at 4:05 p.m. ET
• Week 7: Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos – Sunday, Oct. 25 at 4:05 p.m. ET
• Week 8: Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys – Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. ET
• Week 9: Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks – Sunday, Nov. 8 at 4:25 p.m. ET
• Week 10: Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams – Sunday, Nov. 15 at 4:05 p.m. ET
• Week 11: Arizona Cardinals at Kansas City Chiefs – Sunday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. ET
• Week 12: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Commanders – Sunday, Nov. 29 at 4:25 p.m. ET
• Week 13: Arizona Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Eagles – Sunday, Dec. 6 at 4:05 p.m. ET
• Week 14: BYE
• Week 15: Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Jets – Sunday, Dec. 20 at 4:05 p.m. ET
• Week 16: Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints – Sunday, Dec. 27 at 1 p.m. ET
• Week 17: Arizona Cardinals vs. Las Vegas Raiders – Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027 at 4:05 p.m. ET
• Week 18: Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers – TBD

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Cardinals home opponents, tickets

The Cardinals will host the following teams at State Farm Stadium this season:

• L.A. Rams
• San Francisco 49ers
• Seattle Seahawks
• Denver Broncos
• Detroit Lions
• Las Vegas Raiders
• N.Y. Jets
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Washington Commanders

Cardinals away opponents, tickets

The Cardinals will hit the road and take on the following teams during the regular season:

• L.A. Rams
• San Francisco 49ers
• Seattle Seahawks
• Dallas Cowboys
• Kansas City Chiefs
• L.A. Chargers
• New Orleans Saints
• N.Y. Giants

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Arizona Cardinals NFL Draft pick

With the team’s first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cardinals selected Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 overall. Watch Jeremiyah Love play in person this year by buying your tickets now .

• Arizona is home to several roller coaster attractions, including two mountain coasters.
• The Canyon Coaster Adventure Park is located in Williams, Arizona.
• The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster is at Sunrise Park Resort near Greer.

Despite its desert reputation, Arizona has several exciting roller coaster attractions that make it a fun destination for thrill seekers. One of the best-known rides is the Desert Storm coaster at Castles N’ Coasters in Phoenix.

Arizona is also home to two popular mountain coasters located in the cooler mountain regions of the state.

Mountain coasters are gravity-powered rides built along hillsides or mountains. Riders sit in individual carts attached to a track and control their own speed using hand brakes. Unlike traditional roller coasters, mountain coasters often wind through forests and natural scenery, creating a mix of adventure ride and scenic experiences.

And Arizona is lucky enough to have two mountain coasters. Here’s how to visit.

What roller coaster is in the mountains in Arizona?

There are two mountain coasters in Arizona: the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park in Williams and the Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster at Sunrise ski resort.