Spirit Airlines has canceled all flights and begun winding down operations, a move that leaves thousands of travelers stranded and puts the jobs of more than 15,000 employees at risk.
The ultra-low-cost carrier announced early Saturday, May 2, that it is ceasing operations immediately and will no longer provide customer service, according to a company statement.
“All flights have been cancelled, and customer service is no longer available,” the airline said in the statement. “We are proud of the impact of our ultra-low-cost model on the industry over the last 34 years and had hoped to serve our Guests for many years to come.”
Passengers were advised not to go to the airport and instead check the airline’s website for refund information and next steps.
Spirit had been attempting to recover financially after filing for bankruptcy twice within the past year. The airline struggled with rising costs and weaker demand following the COVID-19 pandemic, and efforts to stabilize operations ultimately fell short.
In recent weeks, the company had sought financial support from the federal government, but negotiations with lenders and officials broke down ahead of the shutdown, according to reports.
At its peak, Spirit built a reputation for its “bare fare” model, offering low base ticket prices while charging extra for services like seat selection, carry-on bags, and onboard refreshments. The strategy helped the airline expand rapidly in the 2010s, adding dozens of routes and reaching a market valuation in the billions.
The company also explored mergers in an effort to stay afloat. A proposed deal with JetBlue was blocked by a federal judge in 2024 over antitrust concerns. Talks with Frontier Airlines later failed to produce an agreement.
Spirit traces its roots to a Michigan-based company that began air operations in the 1980s before relocating its headquarters to South Florida. By the end of 2025, the airline employed roughly 17,000 workers.
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