An ultra-low-cost carrier with a strong presence across major Florida airports abruptly shut down operations.
Spirit Airlines, America's eighth-largest carrier, filed for bankruptcy for the second time in August 2025, facing significant financial challenges for years.
The airline had hoped to exit bankruptcy as a restructured airline this summer. However, a recent 80% increase in the price of jet fuel shattered those plans.
The Trump administration recently proposed a $500 million bailout package, but a key group of creditors pushed back, CNN reported. This would have seen the government take up to a 90% equity stake in the airline.
Consequently, Spirit began to wind down its operations on Saturday, May 2, 2026. They are the first major U.S. airline to go out of business because of financial problems in over two decades.
The decision impacts over 17,000 workers — including thousands of Spirit employees and contractors — and leaves countless travelers stranded, scrambling to find alternative travel plans.
"We regret to inform you that all Spirit flights have been cancelled, effective immediately. Guests with previously confirmed Spirit tickets should not go to the airport... For more information about the wind-down process, please visit spiritrestructuring.com," reads a pop-up notice on the Spirit mobile app.
(Credit: Hayley Robertson)
Spirit added that they can't help passengers rebook flights on another airline. However, they will automatically issue refunds to flyers who bought tickets directly through the airline with a credit or debit card.
"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 Airlines said in a statement.
How Spirit Airlines' closure impacts cruise passengers
Spirit Airlines has long had a strong presence at major Florida airports like Orlando International Airport (MCO), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
It built a large network of low-cost routes to popular cities with frequent departures, making it a go-to option for budget-conscious travelers.
Spirit's closure will likely impact thousands of cruise passengers, many of whom rely on affordable, convenient flights into Florida's major cities and cruise hubs like Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, and PortMiami.
For example, when booking flights to MCO for a seven-night cruise from Port Canaveral, I have personally seen just how big the price gap could be. Recently, I chose Spirit over American Airlines, which wanted over $480 per person. In comparison, the round-trip Spirit Airlines flight was just $239, including a checked bag.
For a family of four, that cost difference amounts to nearly $1,000 in savings, which could go toward add-ons like shore excursions, drink packages, specialty dining, or even a higher stateroom category.
Not only that, but the airline's sudden closure comes as the busy summer season ramps up. Flight prices are already higher than usual thanks to the higher fuel prices caused by the war in Iran. With fewer low-cost seats available and demand for flights surging, last-minute fares will be costly.
Read more: The new rules of cruising from Orlando you need to follow
There's also a chance that Spirit’s closure will affect airfare competition across key markets in the months to come, likely leading to higher ticket prices. The industry is already highly consolidated, with four major carriers — United, American, Delta, and Southwest — controlling nearly 80% of flights available to passengers.
Moving forward, Spirit's creditors will liquidate the airline's assets to recoup their costs. This means they will sell everything from the famed bright yellow planes to leases, gates, ground equipment, and even office furniture.
