ROMULUS, Mich. – Cheap flights could be at risk.
Spirit Airlines, one of the most affordable carriers in the country, may be forced to shut down without a government bailout, raising serious questions about flights, fares, and jobs.
Spirit has been struggling for years.
The airline filed for bankruptcy protection in 2024 and again in 2025.
Soaring jet fuel costs tied to the Middle East conflict have creditors worried, with some warning the airline may not survive.
The financial toll has already hit Spirit’s workforce.
According to the airline’s annual reports, Spirit had 11,941 full-time employees in 2024.
By 2025, that number dropped to 9,699, a loss of more than 2,000 jobs.
Travelers at Detroit Metro Airport react
At Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus, travelers are nervous.
Many rely on Spirit because of its low fares, and say flying would look very different without it.
Fiona Sampson-Farrell, a Michigan State University student traveling home to California, said the uncertainty had her second-guessing her decision to take the trip.
“I was hesitant coming today because my mom was like keep an eye out the entire time to see if it cancels,” Sampson-Farrell said.
Luecressia Dibson, who was at the airport buying tickets for an upcoming flight, was blunt about her expectations for the airline.
“I think they need to pick up and do better if they’re going to,” Dibson said.
Travel agent urges caution
Travel agent Sandra Black of Escapes by Sandra is advising her clients to avoid booking with Spirit altogether.
“Sometimes it’s best to just pay a little bit more to have that sense of security,” Black said.
For those who already have flights booked, Black says there’s no need to panic, but staying informed is key.
She recommends checking Spirit’s website frequently for any changes to flight status.
“Check it daily. Even multiple times a day to see if your flight status has changed in any way at all,” Black said.
Trump weighs bailout
President Donald Trump said he is considering a taxpayer-funded rescue to keep the airline flying.
“Well, we’re looking at it, but if we can’t make a good deal, no institution has been able to do it. I said I’d like to save the jobs, but we’ll have an announcement sometime today. We gave them, we gave them a final proposal,” Trump said.
So far, no deal has been announced. In the meantime, some travelers say they are already making other plans.
“I’m at that age. I’m 83. It doesn’t matter. I’ll go somewhere else,” Dibson said.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport told reporters that, according to Spirit, the airline is currently operating as usual.