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. Spirit has been operating at Atlantic City International Airport for close to 30 years, from January to March alone, about 75% of the airport’s passengers flew Spirit, according to airport officials. The struggling budget airline cited rising oil prices as the reason for its shutdown. “With no additional funding available to the Company, Spirit had no choice but to begin this wind-down,” the company said in a statement. Air Travel 4 hours ago Spirit Airlines collapse strands travelers: What to know about refunds, rebooking and fares Airlines 18 hours ago Spirit Airlines is closing down. Thousands of employees and travelers are impacted. Passengers expressed uncertainty about their next steps. “We don’t know what we are going to do at this point,” one traveler said. 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. Major airlines are stepping in to help, offering special fares and support for stranded Spirit customers. “This is the airline industry stepping up and trying to provide relief,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. At Philadelphia International Airport, Spirit had been scheduled for 12 arrivals and departures. At Atlantic City International Airport, there were six. 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. “We have been working to diversify our services so we do feel confident that our carriers Allegiant, American and Breeze, who starts next Wednesday, are going to be able to step up and help to provide some of the capacity that Spirit used to have here,” Airport Director Timothy Kroll said. Breeze Airways, in addition to beginning non-stop flights to Charleston, S.C. this week and flights to Raleigh-Durham and Tampa in June, will now also be expanding at ACY to service direct flights Orlando, Fort Myers, West Palm Beach and Myrtle Beach. Orlando flights will begin on July 3, while the other three destinations will begin service later this year, according to the company. Myrtle Beach and Fort Myers will begin service on Oct. 22, and West Palm Beach will begin on Dec. 7. Spirit is urging customers with existing reservations not to go to the airport. Some travelers we met at ACY were able to book with Allegiant, who offers similar Florida destinations. Amid the uncertainty, airport leaders say they are confident in the future. “We believe there are markets that work here. Spirit proved it, and we think other airlines are going to prove it as well in the future,” Kroll said. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less