Spirit Airlines, a low-cost carrier that disrupted the U.S. airline industry with irreverent advertising and deeply discounted fares, announced on Saturday that it is going out of business and ceasing operations immediately after 34 years. The airline, which had been struggling financially for years and was in its second bankruptcy in two years, said it had started an orderly wind-down.
Founded in 1990, Spirit built its business on a no-frills model, charging low base fares and fees for extras like carry-on bags and seat assignments. Its provocative marketing campaigns often drew attention and controversy. However, the company faced mounting financial pressures, including rising fuel costs, intense competition, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It filed for bankruptcy protection twice, most recently in 2024, after failed merger attempts with other carriers.
According to NPR and Euronews, Spirit had been seeking a $500 million lifeline from the White House to avoid collapse. Negotiations failed to produce a deal. Euronews reported, citing a person familiar with the matter, that the Trump administration offered financial assistance to the airline on Friday, but Spirit declined the offer. The reasons for the rejection were not immediately clear.
Newsmax reported that the airline's announcement on Saturday included that it had started an orderly wind-down. The airline confirmed it had gone out of business and would cease operations immediately. Spirit's statement, as carried by multiple outlets, noted its 34-year history and its role in shaking up the industry with low fares.
With the shutdown, Spirit's remaining flights are grounded, and passengers with existing bookings are left seeking alternatives. The airline's collapse marks the end of a carrier that once forced larger rivals to offer basic economy fares. The orderly wind-down process will involve liquidating assets and addressing creditor claims.
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