US: Spirit Airlines announces closure; flights to be suspended immediately

West Palm Beach (USA), 2 May (LaPresse/AP) – Spirit Airlines has announced it is ceasing operations after 34 years. The ultra-low-cost carrier, known for its bright yellow aircraft and extremely low fares, said on Saturday that it had begun the liquidation process. All flights have been cancelled and customer service is no longer available. The airline had been in financial difficulty since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, weighed down by rising costs and debts. Attempts to secure a government bailout failed, putting around 17,000 jobs at risk. Spirit’s closure could have a negative impact on budget-conscious travellers, particularly in areas such as Las Vegas and Florida, where the airline had a significant presence.