For several years the company has been struggling not to collapse, especially during the Corona years, and in 2024 it even filed for bankruptcy from which it managed to recover. Now, after the increase in fuel prices following the war with Iran, it was no longer able to take advantage of its advantage as a savings company and was finally closed.
The US Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, said at a press conference that despite the administration’s effort to help the company, its creditors, to whom the company owes money, rejected the deal. The collapse will result in the loss of approximately 15,000 jobs for Spirit employees and contractors, according to the airline.
As mentioned, the collapse of the company shows the indirect consequences of the US-Israeli war with Iran. Despite the cease-fire, quite a few international airlines face doubling the price of jet fuel, after Iran continues to stop all traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the US Navy blocks Iranian ports.
Since it was the largest ultra-low-cost company in North America, and the seventh largest in North America among all existing companies, the aviation world is now preparing for its collapse, which left masses of passengers across the continent without flights and without a response.
For example, Frontier Airlines, an American low-cost carrier, announced rescue discounts for Spirit passengers whose flights were canceled and are offering a $199 “fly as you can” summer pass to support affected passengers and help customers maintain access to low fares.
“Spirit Airlines has played an important role in affordably flying and bringing lower fares to more people,” said Bobby Schroeter, Frontier’s chief commercial officer. “We understand that this is a difficult time for its customers and team members. Frontier is offering discounted fares to help people maintain their travel plans and maintain access to low fares.”