How the shutdown of Spirit Airlines is affecting travelers. See the top stories

Spirit Airlines halted all flights and ceased operations May 2, after a last-minute federal bailout failed and the South Florida-based carrier ran out of money. The shutdown leaves thousands of travelers stranded and more than 17,000 employees without jobs.

Here are key takeaways:

• Why it happened: Spirit Airlines CEO Dave Davis blamed “the sudden and sustained rise in fuel prices in recent weeks.” Spirit had filed for bankruptcy twice and could not secure the hundreds of millions in additional liquidity it needed.

• Refunds: Passengers who paid with credit or debit cards will be automatically refunded. Those who used vouchers or Free Spirit points must wait for the bankruptcy court process.

• Don’t go to the airport: Spirit and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are advising ticketed travelers to stay home. All flights are canceled and customer service has shut down.

• Rescue fares available: JetBlue is offering $99 one-way rescue fares through May 6. Frontier is offering up to 50% off base fares booked by May 10. United capped fares at $199 for most routes, and Southwest, Delta, American and Avianca are also assisting stranded passengers.

• Local impact: Spirit carried 28% of FLL’s passenger traffic in 2025 — more than any other airline. The carrier employed thousands in South Florida and recently opened a new headquarters in Dania Beach.

• Scenes at FLL: Travelers were blindsided. Esteen Henry, 63, sat outside Terminal 3 with her granddaughter after learning her flight to St. Thomas was canceled. “I feel really frustrated,” she said. Raquel Velazquez tried rebooking with JetBlue but found “everything is full.”

This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.