Spirit Airlines (NK, Fort Lauderdale International) is chasing a government bailout as the spike in fuel prices jeopardises the airline's already ongoing restructuring, sources close to the talks told The Air Current. US transportation secretary Mark Duffy is reportedly due to meet executives from "several low-cost carriers" this week.

The LCC had been hoping to exit its bankruptcy restructuring, the second in less than two years, in summer 2026 after reaching an agreement with creditors. However, the rapid rise in fuel prices caused by the crisis in the Middle East has reportedly put the airline under major strain. According to earlier reports, it could file for liquidation soon unless it secures additional funding.

There is currently no readily available US legal framework that would allow the government to step in and provide some form of bailout on the scale necessary for the airline.