FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Dozens of Spirit Airlines planes sat grounded at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport as the ultra low-cost carrier shut down operations over the weekend, leaving passengers stranded across South Florida and beyond.

Travelers described confusion and frustration as they scrambled to find ways home.

“It’s crazy. I don’t even know what to do,” one passenger said.

Pete Emory said the situation quickly turned into a nightmare.

“It’s gonna be a nightmare. So it’s been one heck of an ordeal. I mean, we had a great time here, but it’s just terrible,” he said.

Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines sent a letter to staff about the shutdown. Workers at the airline’s Dania Beach headquarters were seen leaving the building carrying boxes filled with personal items as they exited for the final time.

Questions remain about what comes next for employees, including whether severance packages will be offered.

President Donald Trump said the federal government had looked into ways to help keep the company afloat in an effort to preserve jobs.

He added that roughly 14,000 jobs were at stake.

However, that proposal did not move forward.

Broward County commissioner Michael Udine spoke on the shutdown.

“A tremendous loss to the South Florida business community and the flying public in general. As we move forward, we will attempt to bring in other carriers to pick up the slack, and do what we can for affected employees.”

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