FORT LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLA. (WSVN) – Spirit Airlines’ hopes to stay in the skies could be grounded for good.
According to the Wall Street Journal, while hopes were high for a government save, it appears Spirit will be shut down after a last ditch rescue deal to save the airline crumbled. That could happen as soon as Saturday.
The Dania Beach-based carrier has been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy and struggling for over a year now. The recent hike in jet fuel prices placed even more stress on the airline, pushing it to reduce its fleet and cut its routes.
The airline had attempted to secure a $500 million government bailout to survive bankruptcy, but the proposed deal fell apart due to disagreements with the Trump administration and pushback from other creditors.
However, while speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, President Trump suggested he remains open to a taxpayer-funded deal to bail out the airline.
“I said, ‘I’d like to save the jobs, but we will have an announcement some time today. We gave them a final proposal,” said Trump.
At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Spirit is operating as usual, but with the last-ditch rescue deal now appearing to be off the table, many passengers are left confused and worried for the future.
“What’s going to happen when we come back?” asked a woman.
“Oh, we’re going to be stuck,” said a man.
“What’s going to happen? No flights? I dont’ know. It’s insane.
“I’m actually shocked at this point, I don’t know what to do at this point,” said George.
One traveler who was flying to Charlotte said he flies there frequently and is not looking forward to paying premium prices.
A company spokesperson has declined to comment on the situation.
The airline employs 12,000 people as well as thousands of contractors, with nearly half of them in South Florida.
With cash nearly gone and no funding, the company is expected to shut down operations on Saturday morning.
Copyright 2026 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox