Spirit Airlines prepares to cease operations as bailout talks founder

spirit airlines is preparing to shut down after bailout talks with the trump administration stalled. donald trump said the us is still "looking" at a rescue for the bankrupt budget carrier, but would only proceed "if it's a good deal." the airline filed for bankruptcy in november 2024 after struggling with mounting debt, engine recalls, and a failed merger with jetblue. spirit has been trying to secure government support to keep flying, but negotiations haven't produced a deal. the company operates a fleet of over 200 planes and employs roughly 13,000 people. if it ceases operations, it would be the first major us airline to shut down since braniff in 1982.