Spirit Airlines, known for its ultra-low fares and bright yellow planes, has ceased operations after 34 years. The airline announced an immediate wind-down, canceling all flights and ending customer service.
About 17,000 employees will be impacted. The shutdown follows the failure to secure a government bailout. President Donald Trump had proposed a takeover, but no deal was reached.
The carrier had been struggling since the pandemic, accumulating over $2.5 billion in losses since 2020. It filed for bankruptcy twice, most recently in August 2025, with $8.1 billion in debt.
Travelers, especially in Las Vegas and Florida cities like Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, will feel the impact. The airline warned customers they will receive refunds but cannot assist with rebooking on other airlines.