Spirit Airlines has abruptly shut down, leaving passengers across the country scrambling to rearrange travel plans. The budget carrier, which had been struggling financially for months, collapsed after a last-ditch effort to secure a bailout from the Trump administration fell through.
Passengers described chaos at airports as flights were canceled without warning. Many were left stranded, with no clear path to refunds or rebooking on other airlines. Employees also faced sudden job losses, with some expressing shock and frustration.
NBC's Kathy Park reports that the shutdown has sparked growing anger among travelers, who are demanding accountability from the airline and government officials. Spirit had been a major low-cost option for millions, and its closure is expected to disrupt air travel nationwide.
The failed bailout attempt, which would have required federal funds to keep the airline operating, was met with skepticism from lawmakers who argued it "made no financial sense," according to Bloomberg Television. Now, travelers are left to navigate the fallout on their own.