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Spirit’ed away? Airline, internet react to airline’s possible closure
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Low-cost airline carrier Spirit is running on fumes right now, potentially ceasing operations this weekend as rising fuel costs have brought it to the brink of closure.
News reports from last month indicated that the federal government might bail out the Florida-based airline for over $500 million and a 90 percent stake in the company. The airline is facing its second bankruptcy in two years, CNBC reports.
That deal with the federal government did not materialize, but President Trump told reporters on Friday that, “I guess we’re looking at [bailing Spirit out]. If we can do it, we’ll do it. No institutions been able to do it. I’d like to save the jobs, but we’ll have an announcement sometime today. We gave them a final proposal.”
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Q: Did you decide against bailing out Spirit Airlines?
TRUMP: Well, I guess we're looking at it. If we can do it, we'd do it
Q: They're preparing to shut down this weekend
TRUMP: Well, we're looking at it pic.twitter.com/GUieC0F8Mm
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 1, 2026
CBS News’ Kris Van Cleave reports that only two of the Spirit’s three major creditors have signed on to the government’s aid package, and its bondholders have not signed off on the deal.
Spirit Airlines could run out of cash within days, sources tell @krisvancleave , raising the risk the budget carrier may have to halt operations. Negotiations over a $500 million government aid package have stalled, with key creditors yet to agree, as the airline continues… pic.twitter.com/kF8yHQ3wsU
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 30, 2026
Spirit, which has more than 10,000 employees, hasn’t announced any updates on its website or X feed, but it is responding to posts on the social media site.
The most important thing to know is that Spirit continues to operate and offer high-value travel options. Our flights are operating as scheduled.
— Spirit Airlines (@SpiritAirlines) May 1, 2026
If the airline shuts down, people who have booked flights will likely get refunded by their credit card companies, CBS News reported. Those flying when and if the airline is grounded would likely have to book their connecting flights on another airline. Spirit competitors may offer “rescue fares” to those flyers, possibly allowing them to reach their destination at a discounted price. If Spirit shuts down, the airline’s frequent flyer miles will likely be worthless.
We are ready to support customers who may be impacted if Spirit Airlines ceases operations, with a focus on helping people continue their travel plans with low-fare options.
— Frontier Airlines (@FlyFrontier) May 1, 2026
Spirit is often the butt of jokes for its bare-bones (though inexpensive) service — they charge for all carry-on luggage and do not offer free water or snacks.
Spirit Airlines' best and last hope pic.twitter.com/ldGOaqPglA
— Morning Brew ☕️ (@MorningBrew) May 1, 2026
TopicsDonald Trump
Neal joined Mashable’s Social Good team in 2024, editing and writing stories about digital culture and its effects on the environment and marginalized communities. He is the former editorial director of The Advocate and Out magazines, has contributed to the Los Angeles Times, Curbed, and Los Angeles magazine, and is a recipient of the Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for LGBTQ Journalist of the Year Award from the National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association (NLGJA). He lives in Los Angeles with his family.
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