American low-cost 34-year-old carrier Spirit winds up as Trump’s $500 million bailout talks fail
American passenger carrier famous for its cheap fares, Spirit Airlines, has shut down its operations after failed talks to secure a bailout from President Donald Trump’s administration to remain in operation.
The airline announced the decision in a statement on Saturday following days of speculation about the fate of the company, bringing an end to the airline’s 34-year business activities.
“It is with great disappointment that on May 2, 2026, Spirit Airlines started an orderly wind-down of our operations, effective immediately. To our guests: all flights have been cancelled, 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 airline said.
Spirit Airlines became famous with travellers, especially locals in the United States due to its low-cost base ticket prices but financial instabilities forced the company to file for bankruptcy twice in less than two years.
Despite Mr Trump proposing $500 million bailout to save Spirit Airlines amid opposition from some of his closest advisers and many Republicans in Congress, the airline’s recent board meeting reportedly ended without an agreement to rescue the company.
Reuters news agency reported that the airline officials blamed the soaring jet fuel prices caused by the United States of America and Israeli war in Iran as the final blow to the company’s operations.
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