Empty check-in counters and frustrated passengers filled PHL and Atlantic City International Airport after Spirit Airlines abruptly shut down operations, canceling all flights nationwide.<\/p>\n
Spirit has been operating at Atlantic City International Airport for close to 30 years, from January to March alone, about 75% of the airport\u2019s passengers flew Spirit, according to airport officials. <\/p>\n
The struggling budget airline cited rising oil prices as the reason for its shutdown.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith no additional funding available to the Company, Spirit had no choice but to begin this wind-down,\u201d the company said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Passengers expressed uncertainty about their next steps.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t know what we are going to do at this point,\u201d one traveler said.<\/p>\n
Spirit said it will automatically process refunds for flights purchased directly with a credit or debit card. For indirect bookings, customers are advised to contact their travel agent. The airline is also directing travelers to spiritrestructuring.com for more information.<\/p>\n
Major airlines are stepping in to help, offering special fares and support for stranded Spirit customers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the airline industry stepping up and trying to provide relief,\u201d Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.<\/p>\n
At Philadelphia International Airport, Spirit had been scheduled for 12 arrivals and departures. At Atlantic City International Airport, there were six.<\/p>\n
Airport officials in Atlantic County, Egg Harbor Township said they are working with airline partners to try to increase flight, as well as expand destinations.<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSpirit Airlines is shutting down, in a move that will affect thousands of scheduled flights and nearly as many employees. NBC10’s Neil Fischer joined us from the Philadelphia International Airport early Saturday and spoke to travelers.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have been working to diversify our services so we do feel confident that our carriers Allegiant, American and Breeze, who starts next Wednesday<\/a>, are going to be able to step up and help to provide some of the capacity that Spirit used to have here,\u201d Airport Director Timothy Kroll said.<\/p>\n