Spirit Airlines Shuts Down, Stranding Travelers After Bailout Talks Collapse

Spirit Airlines announced early Saturday that it is shutting down operations immediately, becoming the first major U.S. carrier to go out of business in 25 years. The abrupt closure has left scores of travelers stranded at airports, including Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), where overnight video showed the discount carrier’s final flights landing.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said President Donald Trump tried to find a way to save the airline. “There was a significant effort by President Trump and the administration to make it happen,” Duffy stated. “But in the end, a deal couldn’t be reached.”

According to reports, the carrier was unable to accept a $500 million bailout from the Trump administration after some of the airline’s bondholders opposed the terms and talks broke down. Spirit flew its last flights Friday night.

“Spirit does not have airplanes in the air flying as of this morning,” one official noted. “Also, their call centers are closed and they don’t have staff at ticket counters. So if you have a flight scheduled with Spirit Airlines, don’t show up at the airport.”

The 34-year-old budget airline had been struggling for years. Its financial challenges were recently made worse by the war with Iran, which caused jet fuel prices to surge.

Stranded fliers expressed frustration over the sudden impact. One traveler traveling with three children said, “Yeah, we had to book new flights with a different airline. It’s just been us here with three kids.”

Loyal customers also voiced concern about what air travel options will remain for those on a budget. “I don’t know, JetBlue and all the other companies, they’re just so expensive. I feel like Spirit is just affordable,” one passenger said.

Another frequent flyer added, “Usually we fly Spirit all the time. Usually it’s the best affordable flight and it’s kind of like that reliable car that you have. It always gets you from point A to point B safely.”

Spirit told its customers it will automatically refund any tickets purchased through the airline.