Trump says government gave ‘final’ bailout proposal for Spirit Airlines as liquidation looms
Spirit Airlines planes are parked at Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA on April 23, 2026.
Marco Bello | Reuters
President Donald Trump said Friday that his administration is offering a “final” rescue package for Spirit Airlines on the grounds that the budget carrier could be forced into liquidation without a lifeline.
Talks with bondholders for a government rescue package this week failed to reach an agreement as of Friday. The Trump administration last month offered the government a $500 million loan that could give it a 90% stake in the Florida airline, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be named to discuss the discussions.
“We would if we could, but only if there’s a good deal this weekend, because they haven’t reached a deal yet,” Trump said. “I said I wanted to save jobs but we’re going to make an announcement, we gave it to them sometime today. We gave them one last offer.”
Spirit declined to comment on liquidation plans. Spirit’s cash “won’t last very long,” the airline’s attorney, Marshall Huebner, told a New York bankruptcy court on April 23.
The carrier is in its second bankruptcy in less than a year and now faces the additional challenge of a surge in jet fuel prices amid conflicts in the Middle East.
United Airlines The carrier is “preparing to support Spirit customers and employees” if Spirit shuts down, leaving crew and passengers stranded, a spokesperson told CNBC. Other carriers are likely to follow suit.
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