Spirit Airlines, one of the first low-cost carriers in the US, had been in bankruptcy since August 2025. After last-minute talks with creditors and the White House collapsed, the carrier made a statement early Saturday to announce its immediate shutdown – leaving passengers and crew members stranded.

The budget airline had been hopeful the federal government might provide a last-minute rescue deal.

President Donald Trump said that his administration had made a "final" bailout offer to Spirit Airlines as reports said it is about to shut down.