US EditionTrump Says a ‘Final Proposal’ to Rescue Spirit Airlines Is Under Consideration
Trump said the deal must benefit taxpayers as Spirit Airlines faces bankruptcy and possible shutdown without a last-minute agreement.
- On Saturday, May 2, 2026, President Donald Trump's administration confirmed that efforts to rescue Spirit Airlines failed despite offering a "final proposal." The budget carrier ceased operations after creditors rejected the intervention.
- Spirit has been in "dire straits" for years, losing more than $2.5 billion since 2020 while filing for bankruptcy twice in under two years. Rising jet fuel costs tied to the Iran war intensified existing financial pressure.
- Talks involving a potential $500 million bailout ultimately stalled, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated Saturday. Duffy noted that creditors held the final say on whether to accept the government's intervention.
- Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United are capping ticket prices to assist stranded Spirit customers, with some offers lasting 72 hours. Duffy praised carriers for not seeking "to gouge passengers."
- Despite the shutdown, Duffy anticipates a "stronger, competitive market" in the airline industry moving forward. The administration does not view further government assistance for other airlines as necessary.
25 Articles
25 Articles
KITV4 News
Inside Spirit Airlines’ failed ‘Hail Mary’ to the Trump administration
(CNN) — Winding down a major US airline is a complicated business. Doing so when the president of the United States hints it could be saved adds another layer of complexity.
The Detroit News
USA Today
Tulsa World
President gives Spirit a final rescue proposal
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Friday the White House gave Spirit Airlines and its creditors a final proposal to try to rescue the bankrupt airline, even as the budget carrier prepared to shut down without a last-minute deal.
President Donald Trump said Friday that his administration is still evaluating a possible publicly funded intervention to rescue Spirit Airlines, as talks continue and no final decision has yet been made on whether to move forward with a potential bailout.
US President Donald Trump said today that he is monitoring the situation and is not ruling out a second attempt to rescue the airline with federal aid.
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