Spirit Airlines, the popular Florida-based low-cost domestic carrier, officially ceased operations on May 2, marking the first casualty of rising fuel prices resulting from the war in Iran.
Spirit Shuts Down, Passengers Left Stranded
Spirit Airlines is no more. After looming threats of liquidation were first reported in mid-April, the Florida-based budget airline suddenly closed down the morning of Saturday, May 2, with an official announcement on its website (which now redirects to SpiritRestructuring.com) and a detailed statement:
It is with great disappointment that on May 2, 2026, Spirit Airlines started an orderly wind-down of our operations, effective immediately. To our Guests: all flights have been cancelled, and customer service is no longer available. We are proud of the impact of our ultra-low-cost model on the industry over the last 33 years and had hoped to serve our Guests for many years to come.
This website contains information about the wind-down process. If you have any further questions, please contact our claims agent, Epiq, by emailing [email protected] or calling (855) 952-6606 (for toll-free U.S. and Canada calls) or (971) 715-2831 (for international calls).
Spirit has been in operation since 1992. While its hub was Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL), it also served Orlando International Airport (MCO) and was a popular option for Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando guests.
The airline first filed for bankruptcy in 2024 and then again in 2025. It was expected to exit bankruptcy this summer after reaching an agreement with creditors to cut billions of dollars in debt and reduce costs; however, soaring jet fuel prices as a result of the war in Iran shut down that possibility. According to the BBC article on the situation, “fuel costs can make up as much as 40% of an airline’s outgoings, and airlines have seen the cost of jet fuel double since the US and Israeli strikes began at the end of February.”
Spirit had been holding out for a bailout, which would have seen the US government take effective ownership of as much as 90% of the airline. However, it was strongly opposed on multiple fronts, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy describing the situation as “tossing good money after bad,” and it fell through.
According to Reuters, Spirit had 4,119 domestic flights scheduled for May 1 – 15, a total of 809,638 seats.
Other Airlines Offer Rescue Fares
Multiple airlines jumped at the chance to benefit, with American, United, JetBlue, and Frontier all offering rescue fares to stranded passengers. JetBlue also used the opportunity to announce plans to add 11 new flights from Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Spirit’s former main hub.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
