Spirit Airlines has ceased operations after 34 years due to significant financial struggles. As the airline liquidates, DFW Airport faces impacts on passenger flow.
DALLAS — Editor’s note: The Associated Press and the Dallas Business Journal contributed to this story.
Spirit Airlines announced Saturday that it has gone out of business after 34 years.
The ultra-low cost airline that once operated hundreds of daily flights on its bright yellow planes and employed about 17,000 people said it had “started an orderly wind-down of our operations, effective immediately.” The airline said on its website that all flights have been canceled and customer service is no longer available.
Spirit has struggled financially since the COVID-19 pandemic, weighed down by rising operating costs and growing debt. By the time it filed for Chapter 11 protection in November 2024, Spirit had lost more than $2.5 billion since the start of 2020.
The budget carrier sought bankruptcy protection again in August 2025, when it reported having $8.1 billion in debts and $8.6 billion in assets, according to court filings.
Spirit Airlines shuts down: What happens at DFW Airport?
Spirit Airlines’ liquidation has a large impact on DFW Airport, which served more than 86 million passengers in 2025, according to the Dallas Business Journal. Spirit has been flying out of DFW Airport since 2011 and has a crew base for flight attendants and pilots there, DBJ previously reported.
Spirit, which operates out of Terminal E, accounted for roughly 3.1% of enplaned passengers, or 1.35 million flyers, in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2025, according to DFW Airport’s annual financial report. That made Spirit the airport’s fourth-largest carrier behind American Airlines (and its regional operations), Frontier Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Additionally, Spirit ranked as the airport’s sixth-largest customer, generating about $15.7 million in revenue during the same time period, according to the report.
If I had a Spirit Airlines flight from DFW Airport, what should I do?
With a full liquidation, all Spirit flights are canceled, and tickets will not be transferred to other airlines. Travelers are responsible for securing replacement flights.
Travelers are encouraged to act quickly, as prices on alternative airlines may increase due to demand.
Airlines step in to assist Spirit ticketholders
Several carriers have announced limited accommodations for former Spirit customers:
- United Airlines
- United Airlines is offering capped fares for Spirit customers with tickets scheduled between May 2 and May 16, 2026. The airline said it is limiting prices on most one-way flights along routes previously served by Spirit to help reduce rebooking costs.
- Southwest Airlines
- Southwest Airlines said Spirit customers can access special fares at airport ticket counters through May 6. Domestic fares are tiered by distance, ranging from $200 to $400. The airline is also offering discounted international fares and a status match program for Spirit’s elite members.
- American Airlines
- American Airlines has introduced “rescue fares” on routes where it overlaps with Spirit’s network. The airline serves most of Spirit’s destinations and is evaluating adding capacity, including larger aircraft and additional flights. American also said it plans to assist displaced Spirit employees and may host recruiting events.
- Frontier Airlines
- Frontier Airlines announced systemwide discounted fares, including up to 50% off base fares for travel through November. The airline is also offering a $199 unlimited summer flight pass and expanding service in former Spirit markets with additional routes and flights.
What else Spirit Airlines flyers can do
According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, Spirit ticketholders pursuing a refund should:
- Contact your credit card company: If you purchased your ticket with a credit card, you may be protected under the Fair Credit Billing Act. Contact your issuer to request a “chargeback” for services not rendered.
- Check your travel insurance: If you have travel insurance, contact your provider to see if your policy covers “insolvency” or “service cessation.”
- File a bankruptcy claim: You may file a formal “proof of claim” with the bankruptcy court. Please note that this process can take time and may only result in a partial refund.