American airline Spirit Airlines announced on Saturday that it is ending its operations. The low-cost airline, which once operated hundreds of flights a day and employed around 17,000 people, said it had “commenced an orderly wind down with immediate effect”. The carrier said on its website that all its flights have been canceled and customer service is no longer available. TASR informs about it based on AP and Reuters reports.
- The company employed approximately 17,000 people.
- Passengers will receive a refund, there will be no other assistance.
- Spirit Airlines has ceased operations and canceled all flights.
“We are proud of the impact our low-cost model has had on the industry over the past 34 years,” Spirit Airlines said in a statement. The company told customers that they can expect a refund, but will not assist them in booking flights with other airlines.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that for a limited time, passengers who booked flights with Spirit can take advantage of special fares on a group of other airlines, adding that other airlines will help Spirit pilots and flight attendants return to their hometowns.
They have not yet reached an agreement
The Trump administration considered government aid for Spirit Airlines, but no deal was reached. The president said as late as Friday afternoon that “we are looking into it.”
The collapse of Spirit Airlines shows how the surge in fuel prices caused by the war in Iran has hit weaker airlines. The company’s restructuring plan predicted jet fuel costs of about $2.24 (1.91 euros) per gallon (3.785 liters) this year and $2.14 in 2027. However, prices climbed to about $4.51 a gallon by the end of April.
Advocates of saving Spirit Airlines, including unions representing pilots, flight attendants and ground staff, said the collapse would put thousands of Americans out of work and hurt consumers by reducing competition and raising ticket prices.
Spirit has struggled financially since the COVID-19 pandemic. It first filed for bankruptcy protection in November 2024 and then in August last year.
