After 43 years in the air, Spirit Airlines shut down operations at 3 a.m. Saturday following two bankruptcies in two years. On the last Spirit flight to land — arriving in Dallas just after midnight — the pilot addressed passengers over the intercom in an emotional farewell.
“We got a notice from our union,” he told passengers. “We’re going to be ceasing operations at 3 a.m. Eastern time today.” He thanked travelers for their support over the years before signing off: “God bless you all.” The cabin responded with applause.
Spirit’s 17,000 employees learned of the shutdown primarily through media outlets. The airline had sought a $500 million government lifeline but was rejected, while soaring jet fuel costs tied to the Iran conflict deepened its losses. Unions are now pressing for workers to receive owed pay and benefits, while United Airlines has begun recruiting displaced Spirit staff.
Travel experts warn that Spirit’s closure — despite its unpopularity — could push up airfares industrywide, as other carriers no longer need to compete with its rock-bottom prices.
