The end is officially here for Spirit Airlines, as the company is permanently discontinuing all flights, after being in business for 34 years. This is a sad development, but unfortunately it had to happen.
In this post:
Spirit Airlines runs out of cash, permanently shuts down
Spirit has officially ceased operations as of 3AM Eastern Time on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The airline states it has “started an orderly wind-down of operations, effective immediately,” and it it was “proud of the impact of the ultra-low-cost model on the industry over the last 34 years and had hoped to serve guests for many years to come.”
Spirit is the first major(ish) carrier in the United States to liquidate in roughly 20 years, as the last one was Independence Air in 2006 (and that wasn’t even a major airline, really). This development comes as the airline has run out of cash, after failing to reach a deal on a planned $500 million government bailout.
For context, Spirit has been Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in two years. In recent weeks, we’ve known that the airline was on the verge of liquidation. The carrier’s financial situation was bad in the first place, but was only made worse by the the increase in jet fuel prices, which caused the company to burn through its little cash at an accelerated rate.
Spirit had asked for a government bailout, which was a concept that the Trump administration got behind, illogical as it may be. The plan was for the Trump administration to give the airline $500 million in funding, which would ultimately convert into taxpayers having a 90% stake in the airline.
However, those negotiations fell apart in recent days. Spirit bondholders weren’t onboard with the plan, which is logical enough, from their perspective. That’s because a bailout would put the government ahead of other bondholders in terms of priority for the carrier’s assets. If Spirit remained in business, it would’ve almost certainly continued to lose money, so there was virtually no upside to this plan for existing bondholders.
So with the rescue plan not coming together, and the airline running out of cash, the airline had no choice but to cease operations.
What to do if you have a ticket booked on Spirit
To those who have tickets booked on Spirit, where does that leave you? If you paid for your ticket with a credit card, you should be able to get a refund for your ticket. Meanwhile if you booked your ticket with a debit card or points, you’re unfortunately unlikely to get anything back.
It’s possible that other airlines offer some sort of special fares for those with tickets booked on Spirit, so we’ll see how that plays out in the coming hours.
Spirit’s failure is a sad but overdue development
With Spirit ceasing operations, it’s incredibly sad to see so many people losing their jobs. Spirit has some really great employees, and they’ve acted with such professionalism, despite the incredible challenges they’ve faced.
I have nothing but respect for them, and hope they all find other jobs in the industry in the near future. People of course often make fun of Spirit’s customer profile (unfairly, I think, but that’s besides the point), but seriously, Spirit has some of the industry’s nicest employees, especially the flight attendants.
Propping up a failing airline for years on end just doesn’t accomplish anything, and my hope is that this development means that other airlines, like JetBlue and Frontier, have a better chance of survival. In particular, this leaves a huge gap in Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Spirit’s biggest station.
I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself here, so let’s see how things evolve in the near future. I’d expect a lot of airlines to fill in gaps left by Spirit. I’m just curious to see how quickly they move in terms of permanently adding service. For example, will JetBlue massively grow in Fort Lauderdale, will United come in and try to set up a focus city there (since there had been rumors of United wanting a Florida hub), or what?
Bottom line
Spirit Airlines has just permanently ceased operations, after a $500 million government bailout of the airline ultimately failed. Spirit had been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy twice in the past two years, the airline hadn’t turned a profit in seven years, and it had the industry’s worst margins.
While I’m really sad to see the airline ceasing operations, this was ultimately inevitable, as you can only sustain these kinds of losses for so long. This at least spells good news for carriers like JetBlue, given the markets in which they’ve competed. Competition is important, but so is a healthier industry where most airlines aren’t hemorrhaging money.
What do you make of Spirit ceasing operations?
62x Airbus A320-200
19x Airbus A320neo
29x Airbus A321-200
21x Airbus A321neo
Are all about to hit the secondhand market. VietJet and other Asian airlines from India to Indonesia will probably snap them up right quick
Sad. The silver lining is that yeah, perhaps that gives JetBlue a lifeline.
thank god it went under before conservatives could put our kids and grandkids on the hook for NK's debts through reckless government bailout spending and nationalization of private industry
MAGA is not conservative.
RIP
Spiritrestructuring.com
Ms Joanna (B6) was furiously sticking her Spirit Voodoo Doll for the last few days.
Guess it worked!!
It's official.
NK will cease operations May 2, 3:00am EST
Wait, it should be EDT. 3am EDT.
Stupid obsolete system.
The next politician who eliminates this time change gets my vote for life.
Looking at FlightRadar24 right now, these are current number of live flights (probably these will move up and down as I type, so take this as a rough measure for what it’s worth)
- American Airlines - 391
- United Airlines - 336
- Delta Air Lines - 301
- Southwest Airlines - 255
- Alaska Airlines - 143
- JetBlue - 118
- Frontier Airlines - 94
...
Looking at FlightRadar24 right now, these are current number of live flights (probably these will move up and down as I type, so take this as a rough measure for what it’s worth)
- American Airlines - 391
- United Airlines - 336
- Delta Air Lines - 301
- Southwest Airlines - 255
- Alaska Airlines - 143
- JetBlue - 118
- Frontier Airlines - 94
- Hawaiian Airlines - 25
- Allegiant Airlines - 23
- Breeze Airways - 11
- Spirit Airlines - 5
- Sun Country Airlines - 2
- Avelo Airlines - 0
I am assuming it is not usual for Spirit to have so few flights operating at the moment.
V/F
Spirit probably waited till the last flight of the day landed before posting the shutdown notice on their webpage
I guess this should be a lesson for Breeze Avelo Allegiant and JetBlue management…
You cannot exist off low fares alone, and do need to think about other realities within the industry. The airline industry does not exist in an economic vacuum.
May the Sun Shine upon those employees affected like the Bright Yellow of your NK’s planes.
Many of you seem to think an NK/B6 merger/acquisition would have solved all problems. Hardly. Spirit would be gone and Jet Blue would have even more debt than it presently has.
Expect big fare hikes in markets served by Spirit. While I never flew or would fly them, they helped lower fares for all of us.
Spirit's last flight over 12am PST is cancelled, so Spirit is likely to cease operations at/before 12am PST.
"PST"? We've been on PDT since March 8.
Am honestly surprised they were still flying, who would take a risk on booking with an airline that wasn't great at its best and could stop operations at any moment?
Not sad to see them go; their begging for a special dispensation from the American regime reinforces that they deserved to fail.
I think we might see Jetblue add some routes out of FLL. They have been focusing more on leisure traffic recently, so I see them trying to add more capacity out of the airport, especially given that they already have a good amount of resources there.
Delta focuses heavily on FLL, so we may see them add a few more flights, or upgauge current equipment (though I assume they will want to use their...
I think we might see Jetblue add some routes out of FLL. They have been focusing more on leisure traffic recently, so I see them trying to add more capacity out of the airport, especially given that they already have a good amount of resources there.
Delta focuses heavily on FLL, so we may see them add a few more flights, or upgauge current equipment (though I assume they will want to use their widebodies for long-haul travel during the summer, but you never know with the rising fuel prices).
AA might try to add a few more routes out of FLL as well. Their FAs can relatively easily make the trek from their MIA base. UA has a lot more to gain from FLL, so that is something to look out for.
However, I think the biggest move will be from the LLCs, since they stand to gain most from the loss of Spirit. They are already struggling with the current climate because of limited demand for their services. Most of these airlines (Frontier, Avelo, and Breeze) have parked some planes as well. I think they will jump at this opportunity and try to capture some of the market share from the loss of Spirit. Frontier is most likely, but we can't rule out Avelo or Breeze either. I would personally like Breeze for my own benefit.
Umm...what do I do now, I bought like a tonne of Spirit Airlines shares on the back of the fact that Trump was going to make US companies great. This is a betrayal.
Hah! If you really believed that Trump would keep his promises, then have I got a bridge for you.
lol. why did you think any of this was up to trump?
Uh he did start a war that buried Spirit. Moron.
If Spirit wasn't healthy enough to weather a worst-case scenario operating environment without collapsing, then it's a failure of their executive management, not of a war-mongering president.
Great and prescient article - thanks for all you do.
Regarding "People of course often make fun of Spirit’s customer profile"
At BWI where Spirit's gate is next to United, I have had hours of entertainment observing the customer profile while waiting for my UA flights. Very entertaining.
Spirit flights cost than parking at bwi. I did question that logic as being a successful business model. Now we know.
We’ve all been edging for months.
Still seems to be operating smoothly as of now, only 4% of their flights were cancelled today and plenty are in the air.
Hah! The next big firm to go to the wall under Trump’s new American economy. Suck it Donny, you’re a garbage businessman.
As a Ft. Lauderdale resident, I only feel sorry for the employees. Otherwise, am glad this flying mess is kaput. I just hope UA or DL will seize the moment and at least make FLL a focus city, so we can have some decent choices instead of the dreadful WN or AA's hub in MIA.
And pay 3x more.
JetBlue is moving into the FLL dominant position.
They have the most real estate and access to the new terminal being built.
UA and DL can’t build a large enough presence.
I am suspect of the reality (or need) for anyone to materially pick up the slack with an en banc move into FLL or any NK station. The Caribbean/Latin capacity from FLL is probably best backfilled from AA/DL/UA hubs--it's not an operation a legacy carrier wants to inherit, IMHO. Even if DL or UA had visions of building a long-haul gateway at FLL--the investment horizon and near-term cannibalization risk to their established Latin American networks...
I am suspect of the reality (or need) for anyone to materially pick up the slack with an en banc move into FLL or any NK station. The Caribbean/Latin capacity from FLL is probably best backfilled from AA/DL/UA hubs--it's not an operation a legacy carrier wants to inherit, IMHO. Even if DL or UA had visions of building a long-haul gateway at FLL--the investment horizon and near-term cannibalization risk to their established Latin American networks point to no, IMHO, but would love to see a bold move by either one!
Much of the domestic operation is best served by the likes of G3 and F9. Maybe B6 adds some frequencies/destinations they believe to be higher margin than the speculative Northeast-Florida adds they have been pursuing. Less likely, AA and DL pick off some of the most profitable destinations, but can see interest from them and UA in gates to bolster hub frequencies from FLL (and MIA).
At LGA, maybe AA and WN fight for slots--AA could really use them to bolster their NYC position. Maybe WN takes another stab at EWR service.
As far as planes, what is unencumbered is likely unwanted by anyone that can afford them, so I suspect they end up with foreign carriers or maybe some to G3.
"...with an en banc move into FLL or any NK station."
You didn't mean to say "en banc," did you?
Ha! was thinking "In toto" and that came out!
Thank you! I was wondering, and I couldn't fill in the blanks! :)
The online TDS comments have already begun as though Trump is somehow responsible for Spirit's moronic business model. I see Frontier going down the same path. You can't lose money on every ticket and make it up in volume. No matter what Professor Mamdani would like you to believe.
The employees have known for quite a while this could be the outcome. If they were not out applying for jobs and going on interviews that's...
The online TDS comments have already begun as though Trump is somehow responsible for Spirit's moronic business model. I see Frontier going down the same path. You can't lose money on every ticket and make it up in volume. No matter what Professor Mamdani would like you to believe.
The employees have known for quite a while this could be the outcome. If they were not out applying for jobs and going on interviews that's on them. Very different from when your employer calls you into a meeting with HR and you're told you're "redundant."
"The online TDS comments..."
LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!1!!!!11!!!!!!!!!
I think it's cute that the 3-4 people who are still fans of the worst-polling President in the history of polling believe that it's everyone else who are suffering from "TDS."
TDS isn’t as bad as OTL…
If you know Trump's records instead of his rhetoric, he has never had empathy for the poor. It is indisputable that Spirit is at the bottom of the totem pole of domestic airlines.
Both China and the US have free market. However, China is a communist country while it is questionable that the US is democratic today. China is not a capitalist country because the Communist Party has a tight grip on the government...
If you know Trump's records instead of his rhetoric, he has never had empathy for the poor. It is indisputable that Spirit is at the bottom of the totem pole of domestic airlines.
Both China and the US have free market. However, China is a communist country while it is questionable that the US is democratic today. China is not a capitalist country because the Communist Party has a tight grip on the government without outside interference, at home or abroad. The US is the leader of democracy, not in the free world, in the western world only. Paradoxically, when the federal election costs in the tune of hundreds of millions and billion dollars, while the congressional elections cost in the tune of tens of millions dollars, the federal and state governments are emphatically neither free nor democratic. They are bought and sold on open market. The government still picks and chooses winners and losers in all industries, contrary to the "laissez faire" capitalism. Crony capitalism best describes US capitalism.
I knew it.
Delta had insider information.
DL cut their beverage service just a day before their competitor cease operations.
And they’re just as brazen as Nancy Pelosi at flaunting their access to insider info. I hope they get investigated. It’s time for Delta’s hubris to get put in check.
They havent turned a profit in years, and were in chapter 11 two years ago (under a different president), and still couldnt turn around. why is this anyones fault other then Spirit, there business model is a failure. Welcome to the free market.
Enough with the political blame game! The only one to blame is Spirit!
Good, let it die. I liked Spirit but nobody wants a zombie airline
One thinks of all of the staff who will lose their jobs. All of the outside contractors who service the needs of the airline too. One hopes that the accumulated skills will not be lost forever.
Time will tell if Mr ‘rump is blamed for the impending doom and gloom being forced upon the American people and the world at large.
Is this truly the end of Spirit Airlines jokes?..
President Trump is saying a final proposal was submitted. If a miracle happens would it not be challenged in court by Frontier or B6? Maybe even by airline transport association? Sad to see those jobs go.
Has anything popped up on bankruptcy court calendar? Would a final hearing take place?
Thank you
"Propping up a failing airline for years on end just doesn’t accomplish anything"
I disagree, it keeps Spirit fliers off of other flights. Passenger quality is about to plummet on other airlines. Or perhaps they will just be priced out.
What does "passenger quality" mean?
Define that for us, please. Don't be shy (scared), dare yourself to say what you mean here.
I'll answer it. Dirtbags come in all colors. Sorry your delusions won't be fulfilled.
I'm hoping they go back to Greyhound.
I flew Spirit within the last month. Flew them last year. No issues at all, passengers were as courteous as those on my AA flights last week. Was happy to save money on my airfare with Spirit. I will miss them.
Sad day for the workforce and outside contractors alike. One hopes that all the skills are not lost forever.
In years to come we might all look back and regret everything that Mr ‘rump has tarnished.
What’s tarnished is your perception of reality. Trump has nothing to do with Spirits issue, which started several years ago when your pedo buddy Biden was in office. But I’m sure that gets a pass in your book doesn’t it because you support dads showering with their teenage daughters.
The only thing anybody regrets is putting dementia Joe and Cackles in office and all the chaos they caused that tarnished the economy for their whole term and continues today.
You are literally too stupid to insult.
For Jake212, read “j*rk-off” you illiterate ’rump apologist. The likes of you are to be pitied for your blind faith in an unmitigated megalomaniac.
I laugh up my sleeve at your stupidity and willingness to ignore reality …. you deserve each other. However, I thank you for jumping headfirst into the obvious baited ‘rump trap …. we are sniggering uncontrollably at you.
Is this a victory for people who don't like Trump? Trump wanted to save the airline and buy it.
No, this is a victory for ALL Americans as they won't be on the hook for the huge losses Spirit would incur in their future operations. Rejoice!
Lol also victory for all paying higher airfares!
@Saunders, then he should have used $500m from the $3B wealth gain he got during his first 15 months of presidency, to buy it. Why should American tax payers be on the hook to save private companies. I thought US is a free market economy.
@Ole - You must be a newcomer or just have selective memory. The US has bailed out many private companies over the last few decades from GM to banks. Does that mean the US isn’t a free market since they got bailed out with taxpayers money, preserved thousands of jobs and are now thriving organizations because of that help?
I am neither. I had the same point then too. If anyone proposes for government to “bailout” individual taxpayers, it is welfare state. Those individuals are leeches sucking up America. But, it’s ok to bailout private corporations again and again and again.
Banks spent millions lobbying congress to loosen the regulations because they were greedy. They got what they wanted and gambled away everything knowing the government will bail them out, in the name of...
I am neither. I had the same point then too. If anyone proposes for government to “bailout” individual taxpayers, it is welfare state. Those individuals are leeches sucking up America. But, it’s ok to bailout private corporations again and again and again.
Banks spent millions lobbying congress to loosen the regulations because they were greedy. They got what they wanted and gambled away everything knowing the government will bail them out, in the name of saving jobs.
If GM and Chrysler can’t build cars that customers will buy, then too bad.
Same applies to all airlines during covid. Because when they were making money they wasted it on useless stock buybacks instead of saving for a rainy day.
All of them for same reason, when I need money, a little whining will get me what I want from uncle Sam
Thousands of jobs lost, higher fares, secondary markets shuttered.
Thanks democrats.
@Mel keep saying it. Eventually someone will believe you. Had Frontier or JetBlue bought Spirit we’d still be here. They’re the next airlines to fall.
No. Thank capitalism and free markets. This is exactly how the game works. The market dictates winners and losers. And the market said that the Spirit business plan is not feasible.
Lmfao blaming the democrats when your party has all 3 branches of government is not even funny... it's sad. Sad that you've allowed yourself to be so brainwashed by literally the worst people in our society.
Right! Because when the democrats controlled all three branches they never blamed republicans when things didn't get done. Take off your blinders.
Spoiler alert Mel:
1. A judge declined the merger
2. They had a right to appeal. They did not.
3. President Trump’s wars caused prices to skyrocket.
4. His bullying on Tariffs caused global economic instability.
5. Spirit’s business model was a failure.
6. This 500 million is nothing compared to the 20 billion the farmers need. Plus another trillion to the pentagon since we are out of weapons.
...
Spoiler alert Mel:
1. A judge declined the merger
2. They had a right to appeal. They did not.
3. President Trump’s wars caused prices to skyrocket.
4. His bullying on Tariffs caused global economic instability.
5. Spirit’s business model was a failure.
6. This 500 million is nothing compared to the 20 billion the farmers need. Plus another trillion to the pentagon since we are out of weapons.
7. Stop blaming dems, transgender, DEI and immigrants for problems Trump created.
surely its the muppets that voted for trump that are to blame? had he not won, the nonsense in iran wouldnt have happened
NK was circling the drain before Trump, genius.
Mel,
A judge declined the merger. They had a right to appeal. They did not. Trump’s unstable tariff policies and his wars helped with Spirit’s demise along with a failed business model.
Stop blaming dems, transgenders, DEI and immigrants for problems President Trump caused.
Jeff,
You say stop blaming Dems when a Dem judge was who blocked their merger attempt with B6, which would have prevented this. Trump has nothing to do with this as Spirits issues started under Biden. Spirit had already filed for bankruptcy for a second time before the Iran war even started.
Please stop, you’re embarassing yourself.
Mel - name one "secondary market" that NK operates into that will be "shuttered." Just one - name it.
I'll do it for you - zero. Spirit isnt like Breeze or EAS flights that operate into airpots with no other service. FLL LGA or even PNS FLL are hardly secondary markets that are going to be shuttered. OK, maybe the ACY MYR flight will be missed...
Why don’t you bloody cough up some money and run this LOWEND LOWCLASS airline
Remember, people who pretend to be conservatives are supposed to pretend to support the free market.
Nothing to do with Democrats, stop politicizing this.
I guess, their current customers are also screwed with no way of getting their money back for upcoming flights.
This is why you always pay with a credit card. so you can get your money back
That was my first thought, but not sure if they'll deem this as a valid reason for a chargeback? I mean they could be on the hook for millions and its not like they have anyway of getting that money back from Spirit.
This is 100% not true. Chargebacks work when an airline stops operating.
Ben, any advice on what people who have Free Spirit miles should do? Presumably, they're about to become worthless. Redeem for anything non-Spirit-travel they can? (i.e., hotels, rental cars, merchandise)
I have the same question, it doesn’t seem to be able to be redeemed for anything else though as far as I can see.
They will be worthless as soon as the airlines shuts down so too late now. You had many months of warning that a liquidation was coming.
You should quickly apply for their credit card the very last chance to get SUB.
looks like the bailout critics were right all along