Spirit Airlines shuts down operations, all flights canceled
Spirit Airlines shuts down operations, all flights canceled
Budget carrier Spirit Airlines has ceased operations immediately, canceling all flights and shutting down customer service. FOX 2 spoke with Pilot and Aviation Expert Evan Broad to discuss the impact of the closure.
DETROIT (FOX 2) - Spirit Airlines announced early Saturday morning that it is shutting down after more than 30 years in operation, potentially leaving thousands of passengers stranded and scrambling to find alternative flights.
The budget carrier had entered 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 after midnight.
All Spirit Airlines flights have been canceled, and customer service is no longer available.
Spirit said customers can expect refunds for fares already purchased. Travelers who booked directly through Spirit will receive refunds to their original form of payment. Those who booked through a travel agent or third-party site must contact those providers directly.
This is the notice Spirit Airline customers received while checking the latest information for their flights. (FOX 2)
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 blocked the deal, citing concerns about reduced competition and higher airfares.
The airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2024 and again in August 2025. Court filings showed it had $8.1 billion in debt and $8.6 billion in assets.
Rising jet fuel costs tied to the Iran conflict further strained operations. Earlier this month, creditors 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 did not materialize.
Spirit Airlines shuts down immediately: What to Know
Every kiosk in the Spirit Airlines area of the Evans Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne Airport was empty Saturday morning and displayed the same message: all flights are canceled. FOX 2 spoke with affected customers and a travel agent about their reaction to the shutdown.
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."
According to FlightAware, Flight NK1833 was one of Spirit’s final flights, departing Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport after 10 p.m. Friday and landing at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport just after midnight.
Spirit Airlines’ roots trace back to metro Detroit, where it was founded as Clippert Trucking Co. in 1964.
According to the company’s website, it entered the air travel business around 1980, initially operating charter flights under the name Charter One.
In May 1992, Charter One introduced jet aircraft and rebranded as Spirit Airlines. Scheduled service between Detroit and Atlantic City began June 1, 1992.
Spirit was initially headquartered in Eastpointe, Michigan — then known as East Detroit — before relocating its headquarters in 1999 to Miramar, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area.
The other side:
According to the Department of Transportation, 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.
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 leaves thousands out of work and, according to consumer advocates, could reduce airline competition and drive up airfares. Budget-conscious and leisure travelers are expected to feel the impact most.
The airline operated more than 675 routes, primarily within the United States, along with international service to 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.
The Source: Information for this story came from Spirit Airlines and previous reporting.