Spirit Airlines shuts down, stranding travelers at Atlanta’s airport

Spirit Airlines stopped flying at 3 a.m. today, canceling every flight it had left and leaving thousands of passengers stranded, including many at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the airline’s major hubs.

What happened: Spirit said it ran out of money after a $500 million federal rescue deal fell apart. Jet fuel prices have climbed about 80% because of the ongoing conflict in Iran, which pushed the airline past the breaking point. Spirit had already been through two bankruptcies before today.

At the airport: Travelers who showed up at Hartsfield-Jackson this morning found Spirit’s check-in counters empty and the computer systems dark. Most said they had no warning before arriving. Many found out the airline was gone from paper signs taped to kiosks or from other passengers standing nearby.

What stranded passengers should know: Spirit says do not go to the airport. The airline says it will automatically refund customers who bought tickets directly with a credit or debit card. If you booked through a travel agent or used vouchers or points, you will need to go through your travel agent or file a claim through the bankruptcy court.

Rescue fares: Delta, United, American, Southwest, and Frontier have agreed to cap fares, generally between $200 and $300, for stranded Spirit passengers who can show proof of a Spirit booking.

Workers: About 17,000 Spirit employees and contractors lost their jobs today. Several airlines have opened dedicated hiring portals to give displaced Spirit workers a faster shot at interviews.

Georgia reaction: Atlanta travelers flooded social media with concern about what Spirit’s collapse means for airfare at Hartsfield-Jackson, the world’s busiest airport. Many said Spirit was one of the only carriers keeping Delta’s prices competitive, and predicted costs would now climb. Some described scrambling for last-minute flights they could not afford, with a few saying they risked missing graduations or funerals. Georgia-based Spirit crew members posted emotional goodbyes online, with some pointing out that the airline had been a lifeline for lower-income families across the South who could not afford to fly otherwise.

The path forward: Spirit’s exit leaves Hartsfield-Jackson with far fewer low-cost options. The rescue fare caps offered by other carriers apply now, but there is no guarantee they will last, and no budget carrier has stepped in to fill the gap Spirit leaves behind.

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