According to data from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority,<\/a> in 2025, Spirit airlines carried more than 6 million passengers through MCO, making it the airports third largest carrier. <\/p>\n Hundreds of pilots and flight attendants employed by Spirit are also based in Central Florida. <\/p>\n The Florida based budget airline has eight Florida destinations including Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa. <\/p>\n After filing for bankruptcy in 2024 and then again in August of 2025, the airline announced a restructuring plan<\/a> including fleet adjustments, new premium ticket options, and a renewed focus on its strongest routes including to Orlando. <\/p>\n A spokesperson did not confirm Bloomberg\u2019s reporting instead saying \u201cWe don\u2019t comment on market rumors and speculation. Our operations continue as normal.\u201d<\/p>\n But passengers at Orlando International Airport are concerned they could be left stranded in the future. <\/p>\n \u201cNext month, we\u2019re going to Maine, so hopefully they don\u2019t shut down,\u201d said one frequent Spirit Airlines passenger, \u201cThat would be a lot of stress all when you\u2019re trying to pack up and go.\u201d<\/p>\n Channel 9 reached out to Orlando International Airport for comment on the potential Spirit Airlines shutdown, but did not hear back before news time.<\/p>\n In the meantime, Travel experts say,<\/a> if Spirit liquidates you should not cancel your flight outright, since that would forfeit your right to a refund if the company has any remaining money.<\/p>\n There are some alternatives if you have a flight booked and the company goes under. <\/p>\n Jeff Rolander is the Vice President of Claims and Customer Experience at Faye,<\/a> a travel insurance company. <\/p>\n \u201cIf I was looking right now to book a trip, I might be finding a different provider,\u201d said Rolander. <\/p>\n Rolander told Channel 9 some policies could cover travelers if Spirit liquidates.<\/p>\n \u201cCoverage for financial default is one of those things that comes with some policies, but not with every policy,\u201d said Rolander, \u201cFor customers who purchase travel insurance before this became a known event, there could be coverage under their policy. It\u2019s best to contact your provider to understand what your specific policy can cover.\u201d <\/p>\n However, Rolander says if you book with Spirit now and the company announces liquidation, then travel insurance likely won\u2019t help. <\/p>\n Still, Rolander says if your flight gets cancelled, you can fight the payment through your credit card company. <\/p>\n \u201cIf that merchant doesn\u2019t deliver the good or service that that card was used to purchase, then you have recourse against that.\u201d<\/p>\n Click here<\/a> to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here<\/a> to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.<\/p>\n