Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleGram Slattery & Jarrett RenshawFriday 01 May 2026 18:05 BSTThe airline is reportedly preparing to shut down after failing to secure funding to keep it running (Getty Images)President Donald Trump said the United States has presented Spirit Airlines with a final proposal for a potential bailout, adding that an announcement would be made over the next day or two.His remarks come amid reports that Spirit is preparing to shut down after failing to secure a $500 million government rescue package.The struggling budget airline had been negotiating with the administration for the bailout, which was said to involve the government taking a significant equity stake. The deal stalled due to disagreements within the administration and a lack of backing from some Spirit bondholders.Without the necessary funding, the airline is now facing the possibility of running out of cash and liquidating its fleet, though the exact timeline is uncertain.Spirit's financial woes are exacerbated by rising fuel costs, previous bankruptcies in November 2024 and August 2025, and post-pandemic shifts in travel preferences.In fullSpirit Airlines prepares to shut down after Trump administration bailout falls throughThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in