Spirit Airlines shuts down operations, all flights canceled

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Spirit Airlines announced just after midnight Saturday that it is shutting down operations, potentially leaving thousands of passengers stranded and scrambling to find alternative flights.

What we know:

"It is with great disappointment that on May 2, 2026, Spirit Airlines started an orderly wind-down of our operations, effective immediately," the low-cost carrier said in a statement posted on its website.

All Spirit Airlines 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 company said.

The backstory:

Spirit has struggled with financial losses for years. The airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2024 and again in August 2025. Rising jet fuel costs tied to the Iran conflict further strained operations, and creditors earlier this month raised concerns about the airline’s long-term viability, suggesting it could be forced to sell assets and cease operations.

The airline’s relatively young fleet made it an attractive acquisition target. However, previous buyout attempts from budget rivals, including JetBlue Airways and Frontier Airlines, were unsuccessful both before and during its first bankruptcy.

President Donald Trump had weighed a taxpayer-funded takeover of the airline, with plans to resell it after oil prices declined.

The White House has pointed to earlier regulatory actions during the administration of former President Joe Biden. In 2023, the Justice Department sued to block JetBlue’s $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit. A federal judge later halted the merger, citing concerns it would lead to higher airfares.

What they're saying:

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport released a statement to Spirit Airlines customers:

"Spirit Airlines has ceased operations and will not operate flights at DTW. According to Spirit, all flights have been cancelled and customer service is no longer available. If you are scheduled to travel on a Spirit flight, please do not come to DTW. At this time, the Wayne County Airport Authority has not received information from Spirit regarding next steps for affected customers. Our team is here and ready to support as best we can."

Several airlines are offering "rescue fares" to Spirit passengers stranded after the airline ceased operations early Saturday morning.

Delta Airlines response:

Delta Airlines said it will offer reduced, nonrefundable rescue fares in affected markets over the next five days to help travelers book last-minute trips.

"In response to Spirit Airlines’ suspension of operations, Delta is taking steps to support travelers with near-term travel needs and help them reach their destinations.  

We are offering reduced, nonrefundable rescue fares in affected markets over the next five days to help travelers book last-minute travel, with availability even on flights that are close to full to provide more options even when space may be limited.  

These options are available across all domestic markets where Spirit operates, including routes Delta serves nonstop and through one-stop connections via our hubs. 

We’ve also extended these reduced fare options to all routes between the U.S. and Latin America where Spirit operates.  

Travelers can access these rescue fares and find more information by visiting delta.com." 

United Airlines response:

"Dear Spirit Airlines Customers and Employees:

United Airlines launched several new initiatives to help make navigating this uncertain time a little easier for Spirit customers and employees.

Today United Airlines launched several new initiatives to help make navigating this uncertain time a little easier.

If you had a ticket booked on Spirit and your flight was canceled, for the next two weeks you can visit united.com/specialfares to find price-capped, one-way tickets from most cities where Spirit flew, including Atlanta, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Newark, New Orleans and Orlando.

Most of these special fares are capped at $199 with limited exceptions, with longer flights priced no higher than $299. To unlock these fares and see additional details, go to united.com/specialfares and give us your Spirit confirmation number, proof of purchase for travel between May 2 - May 16, and your United MileagePlus number. If you're not a MileagePlus member, you can sign up instantly for free.

If you're a Spirit employee, we're extending pass travel benefits on United to you for the next two weeks to help you get home safely, and you can book in the ID90 portal. You're also welcome to apply for open roles at United at united.com/SpiritEmployees – which will spotlight your application for our recruiters to prioritize.

If you fly with us during this time, I think you'll love what comes with your ticket on the world's largest airline.* You get access to our award-winning mobile app and up-to-the-minute texts about your flight. Our new and updated planes have seatback screens, larger bins and Bluetooth connectivity. We can take you across the country and around the world, with more flights across the Atlantic and Pacific than any airline. Plus, you'll get friendly and reliable service from the best team in the industry."

Frontier Airlines response::

Frontier Airlines said it is prepared to support customers impacted by Spirit’s shutdown.

"Frontier Airlines today announced systemwide rescue fare discounts and is also offering a $199 GoWild All-You-Can-Fly Summer Pass to support travelers affected by Spirit Airlines’ end of operations, helping customers maintain access to low fares.

Frontier currently serves more than 100 routes previously flown by Spirit and will expand further this summer with nine additional routes, plus 15 additional daily flights across 18 former Spirit markets, giving customers more options to rebook their travel plans with confidence while keeping fares low.

‘Spirit Airlines played an important role in expanding access to affordable travel and bringing more low fares to more people,’ said Bobby Schroeter, Frontier’s Chief Commercial Officer. ‘We recognize this is a difficult time for their customers and team members. Frontier is making discounted fares available to help people keep their travel plans and maintain access to low fares.’

To support impacted travelers, Frontier is offering up to 50% off base fares* across its network for travel through November 19. Customers can book by May 10 at FlyFrontier.com or on the Frontier mobile app using promo code SAVENOW. Travel on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday qualifies for a 50% base fare discount with a 21-day advance purchase, while other days of week are eligible for a 10% discount with no advance purchase required. Certain blackout dates apply.

Frontier is also offering its 2026 GoWild Summer Pass for just $199**, providing access to unlimited flights across the airline’s network through the summer."

Southwest Airlines response:

Southwest Airlines said Spirit customers with existing reservations may access special fares at Southwest ticket counters at their departure airport for eligible routes through 11:59 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, May 6.

"Southwest Airlines Co. is prepared to assist travelers affected by disruptions related to Spirit Airlines' cessation of operations. Customers holding Spirit reservations may only access special Southwest fares at Southwest ticket counters at their departure airport for eligible routes through 11:59 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, May 6. Southwest looks forward to extending its Hospitality to Spirit customers and offers its heartfelt sympathies to Spirit's employees."

What you can do:

Customers should monitor official Spirit communications for updates.

Local perspective:

FOX 2’s Scott Wolchek is reporting live from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport with the latest.

FOX 2 will continue to update this developing story.

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