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Trump Admin, Airlines Announce Support for Bankrupt Spirit Airlines

The airline, known for its low costs and bright yellow planes, officially wound down its operations on Saturday.
Rachel Acenas
By
Rachel Acenas
Published: 5/2/2026, 11:03:56 PM EDT
NTD’s White House correspondent Mari Otsu brings us the details from Palm Beach, Florida.

The Trump administration on Saturday unveiled efforts to collaborate with airlines to provide relief to Spirit Airlines’ customers and workers after the embattled budget airline ceased its operations following 34 years in business.

“In a matter of hours, we’ve activated our airline partners to ensure passengers are not stranded, communities maintain route access, fares do not skyrocket, and Spirit’s workforce is connected to new job opportunities,” Transportation Secretary Scott Duffy said in a statement.

Duffy said during a press conference at Newark Liberty International Airport that those efforts include capped ticket prices for flyers who need to rebook canceled flights and job opportunities for former employees.

The airline, known for its low costs and bright yellow planes, officially wound down its operations on Saturday, with the final Spirit flight taking off from Detroit Metropolitan Airport and landing at Dallas Forth Worth International Airport.

Capped, Reduced Fares for Spirit Customers

The transportation secretary announced that American United, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Allegiant, Frontier, Avelo, and Breeze airlines have all agreed to support impacted Spirit passengers in different ways following conversations with the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Spirit customers who need to rebook canceled flights will have access to capped ticket prices offered from United, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest airlines. A Spirit flight confirmation number and proof of payment is required to get access to those special prices, DOT said.
In a statement regarding its capped fares for Spirit customers, United said most of its special fares are capped at $199 with limited exceptions, with longer flights priced no higher than $299.

DOT noted that those special fares will only be available for a select time period.

Additionally, American and Delta have offered reduced fares on high-volume Spirit routes. Allegiant committed to freezing fare prices across routes that overlap with Spirit, and Frontier has offered up to 50 percent off base fares across its network until May 10, according to DOT.

Duffy said that Spirit had a reserve fund for customers who bought directly from the airline to get refunds. Passengers who purchased tickets from third-party vendors, such as travel agents, would have to seek refunds from those sellers.

Duffy also warned Spirit customers not to show up to the airport because “there will be no one here to assist you.”

Support for Former Spirit Employees

Duffy said airline partners have also rolled out plans to support workers moving forward.

Most major U.S. carriers are extending travel pass benefits and spare jump seats to Spirit pilots, flight attendants, and other employees who need to return home. According to Spirit, it was working to get more than 1,300 crew members to their home bases.

Former Spirit staff will also be offered preferential employment interviews, DOT said. American and United Airlines announced microsites for Spirit employees looking to continue their careers in the aviation industry.

Duffy: No Need for Spirit Bailout

Last week, President Donald Trump pitched the idea of a bailout for the bankrupt airline after it faced bankruptcy proceedings for the second time in less than two years. Trump said on Friday that “we’re looking at it” and had given the budget carrier a “final proposal” for a taxpayer-funded takeover.

The airline filed for Chapter 11 protection in November 2024 and again in August 2025.  The Iran war drove up jet fuel costs for all airlines, worsening the situation for Spirit.

Duffy said on Saturday that he doesn't think the government needs to bail out low-cost airlines that have sought $2.5 billion ​in government relief because of high jet fuel prices.
"I would say that at this ‌point, I don't think it's necessary. They do have access to cash. If they want to come to the U.S. government, we would be a lender of last resort. If they can find dollars in the private markets—I ​think that's better for them," Duffy said.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.