Self-check-in kiosks at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport display an 'Operational Update' message after Spirit Airlines announced it was ceasing operations, Carolina, Puerto Rico, May 2, 2026. RICARDO ARDUENGO / REUTERS
US air carriers mobilized Saturday, May 2, to help passengers and crew members stranded by the overnight shutdown of Spirit Airlines, after last-minute talks with creditors and the White House collapsed.
The budget airline known for its bright yellow planes succumbed to crushing fuel prices and announced in the early hours of Saturday that "all flights have been canceled, and customer service is no longer available" as it "started winding down its global operations, effective immediately."
Other carriers, including American, Delta, United and JetBlue, leapt at the news Saturday, offering what some dubbed "rescue fares" to those waking up with canceled itineraries. Some said they were increasing flights or the size of planes in and out of airports where Spirit had a significant presence. Carriers also sought to support marooned Spirit staff – and hire them. Several carriers encouraged now-jobless crew members to apply to their open roles.
Spirit had been in bankruptcy since August 2025 – its second in less than a year – and the White House had been considering a bailout.
