Spirit Airlines shuts down operations, all flights canceled

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Spirit Airlines announced just after 3 a.m. EST Saturday that it is shutting down after 34 years in operation, potentially leaving thousands of passengers stranded and scrambling to find alternative flights.

The budget carrier found itself in bankruptcy proceedings for the second time in less than two years.

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 airline said in a statement posted on its website.

All Spirit Airlines flights have been canceled, and customer service is no longer available.

Spirit said customers can expect refunds for fares that have already been purchased. If you purchased the fares directly through Spirit Airlines, refunds will automatically go to the original form of payment. If you purchased the fare through a travel agent or third-party booking site, you'll have to go directly through the agent or third-party company. 

The backstory:

Spirit has struggled with financial losses for years, facing rising operating costs and growing debt.

The company planned a merger with JetBlue in 2023, but the Biden administration intervened and successfully blocked it, citing concerns over reducing competition and driving up air fares for consumers. 

The airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2024 and again in August 2025, when it reported having $8.1 billion in debts and $8.6 billion in assets, according to court filings. 

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.

President Donald Trump had weighed a taxpayer-funded takeover of the airline, but it didn’t happen.

What they're saying:

"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," Spirit Airline said.

Local perspective:

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."

The other side:

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

Delta Air Lines:

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

Frontier Airlines:

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 fare," the airline said.

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.

To support impacted travelers, Frontier is offering up to 50% off base fares across its network for travel through November 19. 

JetBlue Airways:

To assist stranded Spirit customers with imminent travel, JetBlue is offering $99 one-way fares to individuals with proof of a valid Spirit itinerary for the same route for travel through Wednesday, May 6. These customers should call 1-800-JETBLUE to discuss their situation.

Southwest Airlines:

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."

United Airlines:

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.

By the numbers:

Spirit flew about 1.7 million domestic passengers in February, roughly half a million fewer than during the same month a year earlier, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. 

About 17,000 jobs could be impacted, according to Spirit lawyer Marshall Huebner.

Why you should care:

The closure puts thousands of Americans out of work, and consumer advocates say it will impact passengers by reducing airline competition and increasing airfares. Budget-conscious and leisure travelers will likely feel Spirit’s absence the most.

The airline operated more than 675 routes, primarily focusing on cities within the U.S. while also maintaining significant international service to countries such as Mexico, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. Its key operating bases included Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale—its largest hub—Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Newark, and Orlando.

What you can do:

Customers should monitor official Spirit communications for updates.