Spirit Airlines shutting down after failed effort at government rescue deal

TL;DR

Spirit Airlines has ceased operations immediately due to the failure to secure a $500 million federal bailout.
All Spirit flights have been cancelled, and passengers are advised not to go to the airport.
Refunds will be automatically processed for tickets purchased directly with the airline via credit or debit card.
The airline cited a "creditor issue" and a "sudden and sustained rise in fuel prices" as reasons for the shutdown.
Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy disputed the fuel price reason, pointing to Spirit's prior bankruptcy filings and a low-cost model that "wasn't working."
The Trump administration was involved in discussions for a bailout, which would have given the U.S. government a 90% stake in the airline.
Spirit previously filed for bankruptcy twice since 2024 and has undergone significant job and route cuts.
Other airlines, including United, Southwest, JetBlue, and Delta, are offering reduced fares to Spirit customers.
American Airlines is reviewing opportunities to add capacity and is preparing a jobs page for displaced Spirit employees.

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