DORAL, Fla. — The sudden shutdown of Spirit Airlines is sending shockwaves through the travel industry, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and prompting a response from federal officials.
Speaking Saturday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the administration had made significant efforts to prevent the airline’s collapse, but ultimately could not keep it afloat.
“Spirit was in dire straits well before the war with Iran,” Duffy said. “Multiple times they filed for bankruptcy. Their model wasn’t working.”
Following the airline’s overnight shutdown, the Department of Transportation announced measures aimed at helping affected travelers. Several major carriers—including United, Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest—are stepping in to offer reduced fares for displaced Spirit customers.
“It is normally going to be about $200 for a one-way ticket,” Duffy said. “You’ll have to provide the airline you’re now going to book with your Spirit confirmation number and proof of payment.”
Travelers currently mid-trip are being urged to act quickly and take advantage of those offers before availability runs out.
Duffy also placed blame on Democrats for blocking a proposed merger between Spirit and JetBlue, which he argued could have helped the airline survive.
“And Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg, along with the Biden DOJ, decided they didn’t want that merger to take place,” Duffy said.
The Department of Justice sued in 2023 to block the merger, arguing it would reduce competition and drive up fares. In 2024, a federal judge agreed, ruling the deal violated antitrust laws.
Despite those legal hurdles, Duffy said the administration continued exploring ways to keep the airline operational.
“The president was like a dog on a bone, trying to figure out a way to keep Spirit afloat,” he said. “In the end, this was a creditor issue. They have the final say on whether they want to do a deal with the government.”
As the fallout continues, many questions remain about the long-term impact on airline competition and ticket prices—especially for budget-conscious travelers who relied on Spirit’s low-cost model.
Meanwhile, at Trump National Doral in Miami, officials were awaiting the president’s arrival. As of now, the president has not publicly commented on the airline’s shutdown.
Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
