Spirit Airlines announces they will close operations effective immediately after a 500-hundred-dollar government bailout failed to materialize.
"It is with great disappointment that on May 2, 2026, Spirit Airlines started an orderly wind-down of our operations, effective immediately," the carrier said in an online statement early Saturday morning. "To our Guests: all flights have been canceled, and customer service is no longer available."
"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," the statement continued.
The carrier had been seeking a $500 million lifeline from the federal government, but the deal could not be finalized in time due to financial complications, the Wall Street Journal reported.
In a post on X, Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, says four major U.S. airlines — including United, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest — "are all capping ticket prices specifically for Spirit customers who now need to rebook canceled flights," The airlines will offer Spirit customers who validate they have booked Spirit flights a one-way ticket costing around $200." Duffy said.
Spirit says it will automatically process refunds for flights purchased through Spirit using a credit or debit card, returning the money to the original form of payment.
To check your refund status: Spirit directs customers to check refund status through its 'MyTrips' page.
Workers looking to continue in aviation are urged to go to United and American Airline hiring sites.