Report says shutdown likely this week

A number of airlines are preparing to step in and help stranded passengers amid reports that one major competitor is on the verge of closing and suspending flights.

This worrying news comes from a report in The Air Current, which sounded the alarm on December 12, 2025.

The looming outage could force a major U.S. airline to cease operations as early as December 13, 2025, leaving many travelers with unexpected flight cancellations during the peak travel season.

Spirit Airlines has been operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.Image source: Shutterstock” loading=”eager” height=”540″ width=”960″ class=”yf-1gfnohs loader”/>

Spirit Airlines is one airline at risk of imminent closure, Air Current reports.

Spirit Airlines is currently in the process of its second bankruptcy, and The Air Current said the Dec. 13, 2025 deadline could affect its ability to draw down $100 million in financing.

Airstream reports that if Spirit cannot secure the funding, it could result in an abrupt and immediate end to its operations.

If Spirit Airlines had to shut down suddenly, it could have an immediate and devastating impact on passengers.

Spirit Airlines has 428 flights scheduled for December 13, 2025, according to Cirium Diio. Air Current said it may not be able to continue operating the flights if the airline does not receive the necessary capital injection.

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As of December 20, 2025, Spirit Airlines has an additional 3,138 flights scheduled.

If airlines shut down at any time during this period, it would mean all of those travelers would be displaced as they try to get home for the holidays.

“At least two major U.S. airlines are planning to shut down the troubled low-cost carrier as early as Saturday,” Airstream reported.

“Airstream” said that it is reported that these airlines are formulating rescue plans for affected passengers.

“Both companies are accelerating plans to replenish Spirit’s canceled flights and provide relief fares to Spirit passengers who will be left stranded by the sudden termination of flights during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.”

While Air Current expects Spirit Airlines flights to end as early as December 13, the airline itself denies that outcome is on the table.

“Any rumors that we are preparing to cease operations are untrue. It is business as usual at Spirit Airlines and flights continue to operate as normal,” a Spirit spokesperson said in an email.

The email also states: “As we have done throughout the restructuring process, we are working closely with our debtor-in-possession providers and other key stakeholders on a variety of issues to support the financial needs and future of the business.”

While some airline executives are reportedly preparing to help Spirit passengers, not everyone is convinced the flight will end so quickly.

“I don’t expect a closure on Saturday,” Gary Live wrote on View from the Wing.

“Spirit is unlikely to be in a zero-cash position without an infusion of the next $100 million over the weekend. Also, while they are a going concern, their assets are likely to be more valuable than a simple spin-off. So if there are no agreed documents by the end of business today, discussions could continue into next week despite Saturday’s deadline.”

Leff did note, however, that Spirit is expected to present details of a restructuring plan or a potential sale, but has yet to submit any plan despite the deadline to release the funds. “Spirit is losing over $3 million a day and needs this funding,” he added.

None of this sounds promising, so for now, passengers can at least breathe a sigh of relief as they’re probably making a plan in case the worst-case scenario happens.

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This article was originally published by TheStreet on December 13, 2025, and first appeared in the Travel section. Click here to add TheStreet as your preferred source.