Spirit says it’s operating as usual amid shutdown, bailout reports
May 01, 2026
Spirit Airlines said it is operating as usual amid reports the company is preparing to shut down.In a statement to Scripps News, the airline declined to comment on reports that it is moving forward with selling its aircraft and
planning to close.RELATED STORY | Trump considers a taxpayer takeover of Spirit Airlines and would aim to resell carrierThe Wall Street Journal reported Friday that a potential $500 million government bailout aimed at keeping the airline in business had fallen throughPresident Donald Trump was asked about the possible lifeline for Spirit on Friday but did not directly say whether a deal was off the table.Well, I guess were looking at it. If we could do it, wed do it, but only if its a good deal," he said.Trump added that the White House has made a final offer and that an announcement would come later in the day.RELATED STORY | Airlines looking for fare increases to stick, even when jet fuel costs fallSpirit has filed for bankruptcy twice in the past two years, following failed merger attempts with Frontier Airlines and JetBlue Airways.Last year, the airline laid off 1,800 flight attendants and ended service in 11 U.S. cities.
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