Spirit Airlines Ceases Operations

Spirit Airlines ceased operations Saturday after failing to secure a federal bailout from the Trump administration. The low-cost carrier, which employed about 17,000 people, canceled all flights effective immediately. Spirit Aviation Holdings advised passengers not to go to the airport, promised automatic refunds for ticket holders, and launched a website for questions about the shutdown.

The company had operated hundreds of daily flights and had gone in and out of bankruptcy twice in recent years.

Captain Jon Jackson, a Spirit pilot set to retire, had his final flight canceled due to the shutdown. He boarded a Southwest Airlines flight to Baltimore with his son, a first officer for Southwest. During the flight, the Southwest crew learned of Jackson's situation and arranged a spontaneous celebration upon landing at Baltimore-Washington International Airport.

The festivities included a water cannon salute from airport fire and rescue, cheers from staff, and a bottle of champagne presented to Jackson.

"This is very overwhelming. I can't thank you all enough. As Spirit goes down, this is kind of a sad day, and you guys made it incredible. Thank you so much," Captain Jon Jackson said upon arrival.

Southwest Airlines described the event as a demonstration of respect and solidarity in the aviation sector. The company noted that its pilots seized the opportunity to honor Jackson's service. Other airlines, including Southwest, have reduced and capped fares to assist Spirit travelers rebooking canceled flights.

The shutdown followed Spirit's approach to the Trump administration for emergency funding, which did not materialize, leading bondholders to reject a proposed government stake. A sharp rise in jet fuel prices since the start of a conflict contributed to the company's fate.