Spirit Airlines announced it has begun winding down operations effective immediately, canceling all flights and advising passengers not to go to the airport.
The announcement follows the company’s efforts to restructure its business and strengthen its financial position. However, with no additional funding available, Spirit said it had no choice but to begin the wind-down process.
“For more than 30 years, Spirit Airlines has played a pioneering role in making travel more accessible and bringing people together while driving affordability across the industry,” said Dave Davis, Spirit’s president and chief executive officer in a press release. “In March 2026, we reached an agreement with our bondholders on a restructuring plan that would have allowed us to emerge as a go-forward business. However, the sudden and sustained rise in fuel prices in recent weeks ultimately has left us with no alternative but to pursue an orderly wind-down of the Company. Sustaining the business required hundreds of millions of additional dollars of liquidity that Spirit simply does not have and could not procure. This is tremendously disappointing and not the outcome any of us wanted.”
Spirit said refunds will be automatically processed for flights purchased with a credit or debit card and returned to the original form of payment. Passengers who booked through a travel agent should contact their agent directly. The airline said it cannot assist with rebooking flights on other carriers.
Refunds for passengers who used vouchers or Spirit points will be determined at a later date through the bankruptcy process.
“Most of all, we are grateful to our relentless Spirit team for their tremendous effort during our restructuring,” Davis added. “They have tirelessly provided a safe, affordable and award-winning option to the traveling public.”
At Tampa International Airport (TPA) local reports say passengers are now scrambling to find alternative travel arrangements.Frontier Airline announced a discounted rescue fare to support Spirit Airlines customers.
"Spirit was previously scheduled to operate 43 outbound flights per week at TPA, serving six destinations. Those cities were Atlantic City, Chicago, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, New Orleans and Atlanta. There were four departures scheduled for Saturday," said Joshua Gillin, senior manager of communications at TPA. "We encourage Spirit customers to work directly with the airline for refunds or other information."
Frontier Airlines announced a discounted “rescue fare” program to assist affected Spirit customers.
“Spirit Airlines played an important role in expanding access to affordable travel and bringing more low fares to more people,” said Bobby Schroeter, Frontier’s chief commercial officer in a press release. “We recognize this is a difficult time for their customers and team members. Frontier is making discounted fares available to help people keep their travel plans and maintain access to low fares.”
Frontier is offering up to 50% off base fares across its network through Nov. 19. Customers must book by May 10 at FlyFrontier.com or through the airline’s mobile app using promo code SAVENOW.
According to Frontier, travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays qualifies for a 50% base fare discount with a 21-day advance purchase. Other days are eligible for a 10% discount with no advance purchase required. Blackout dates apply.
Frontier said it serves more than 100 routes previously flown by Spirit. At TPA, Frontier offer flights to Atlanta three times a day, flights to Detroit four times a week, flights to Chicago O'Hare four times a week and flights to San Juan daily.
Travelers must purchase tickets by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 10, 2026, to use the promotional discount.