The budget carrier ceases operations immediately, leaving travelers without flights or airport assistance.
SAN ANTONIO — The skies look a little different this weekend.
Spirit Airlines has officially shut down after 34 years in operation, canceling all flights and ceasing service effective immediately.
The sudden closure is already being felt at San Antonio International Airport, where officials say they are “saddened” by the loss of the longtime budget carrier.
Airport leaders say Spirit had already scaled back service in recent months, offering only flights to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando after reducing routes earlier this year.
With Spirit now grounded, travelers from San Antonio can still reach those destinations through other airlines, including American Airlines, Frontier and Southwest.
Passengers are being warned not to go to the airport expecting help from Spirit.
The airline has shut down all customer service operations, and tickets will not be transferred to other carriers.
Instead, travelers are being urged to check Spirit’s website for updates, contact their credit card companies for potential refunds, or explore travel insurance options.
Spirit’s shutdown follows years of financial struggles, including billions in losses and multiple bankruptcy filings since the pandemic.
The airline’s liquidation leaves thousands of passengers nationwide scrambling to rebook flights — and could lead to higher fares as demand shifts to remaining carriers.
Other airlines are already stepping in, offering limited “rescue fares” and discounted tickets to help stranded travelers.
Meanwhile, San Antonio airport officials say they will continue working to bring in additional flight options to fill the gap.