Spirit Airlines is running out of runway as urgent talks to keep the company alive appear to be collapsing in real time. The budget carrier is now preparing to shut down operations as soon as Saturday if no last-minute deal comes through, according to sources familiar with the situation.
At the center of the crisis is a stalled $500 million government aid package. Negotiations have reportedly hit a wall after bondholders rejected the proposed terms, leaving the airline in a financial freefall with limited options. Sources say Trump administration officials have already been informed that Spirit could cease operations within the next 24 hours, and no emergency bailout effort is currently being pursued.
Still, Trump left the door slightly open when asked about a potential rescue.
“Well, I guess we’re looking at it. If we can do it, we’ll do it but only if it’s a good deal,” he said while departing the White House. He added, “I’d like to save the jobs, but we’ll have an announcement some time today. We gave them a final proposal.”
Behind the scenes, the airline’s financial position has grown increasingly fragile. Reports indicate Spirit’s available cash may only sustain operations for a few more days, placing pressure on leadership and stakeholders to act quickly.
For now, Spirit continues to operate scheduled flights, with internal focus centered on maintaining safety and normal service. A company spokesperson declined to comment on the negotiations, stating only that “Spirit is operating as usual.”
The airline currently serves more than 40 U.S. cities and multiple international destinations, with its main hub based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. What happens next could impact thousands of employees and travelers nationwide.
