Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy, so are flights canceled?

Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection on Friday, August 29, 2025. This is the airline’s second bankruptcy, and it wasn’t a surprise, as rumors had been circulating that the airline was still struggling after emerging from its first filing.

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While there are concerns about the airline’s long-term future in light of its continued financial struggles, passengers who are planning to fly on the budget airline likely have another, more pressing issue they're worried about.

Specifically, if you are scheduled to fly with the carrier, you are probably wondering: Is my Spirit Airlines flight canceled after bankruptcy?

If you’re asking yourself this question, here’s what you need to know.

Will your Spirit Airlines flight take off despite the bankruptcy?

Image source: Shutterstock

Is Spirit Airlines canceling flights after bankruptcy filing?

For passengers who are worried that Spirit Airlines may cancel flights after declaring bankruptcy, the good news is that this is not the case at all.

The airline will not cancel any trips that have already been booked.
Its flight schedule is expected to continue as planned with no interruptions resulting from the Chapter 11 filing.

Can you still buy tickets on Spirit Airlines?

Not only is Spirit Airlines not canceling flights, but the airline also said it will continue ticket sales and keep accepting reservations for future travel.

This means you can still book tickets for flights on Spirit Airlines going forward, even as the airline is worth restructuring.

However, it may be worth being cautious, because if a bankrupt airline does stop flying or make substantial changes to its flight schedule, there is no guarantee that you will be able to get a full and timely refund.

The Department of Transportation explains your rights in full in a guide to bankrupt airlines, but one crucial statement reads:

“Bankruptcy law is complicated and can affect your right to a refund. If the airline or ticket agent has filed for bankruptcy, the company may be temporarily prohibited from providing refunds and/or vouchers – for example, to conserve assets.”

To be clear, Spirit Airlines is still booking tickets and flying now, so this is not an immediate concern.

Spirit Airlines reassures worried passengers: Flights will continue

Spirit Airlines obviously anticipated that customers would be nervous that the airline’s bankruptcy would lead to canceled flights, as it addressed this issue in a statement revealing the bankruptcy news. The airline’s statement read:

“The Company is filing customary motions with the Court to enable it to conduct business as normal during the restructuring process. Guests can continue to book, travel and use tickets, credits and loyalty points.”

Spirit Airlines also made clear that it intends to continue paying vendors, suppliers, contractors, and employees on schedule throughout the bankruptcy.

Spirit Airlines' CEO reassures worried passengers

While Spirit Airlines has made clear that it needs to take a more comprehensive approach to resolving its financial difficulties than it did in the last bankruptcy filing, the company’s CEO has also spoken out about the airline’s intent to continue to serve passengers and fulfill its flight obligations.

CEO Dave Davis offered a clear statement that Spirit would not change either its flights in the near term, or its operations.

“As we move forward, guests can continue to rely on Spirit to provide high-value travel options and connect them with the people and places that matter most.”

Spirit Airlines is not the first airline to file bankruptcy

While it’s definitely understandable that passengers would hear about an airline bankruptcy and be worried about what this means for their flights, the fact is that Spirit Airlines is far from the only airline to file for bankruptcy and continue operations.

In fact, in 2011, AMR Corporation, American Airlines’ former parent company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. American Airlines, of course, recovered.

This happened in large part due to a merger with U.S. Airways, which had previously survived multiple bankruptcies itself.

The two airlines formed the American Airlines Group, efficiently merging to create a large, and mostly successful, network.

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It remains unclear whether Spirit Airlines will follow the same path and be saved by a merger, especially as Frontier Airlines made merger offers (which were rejected) during Spirit Airlines' last bankruptcy filing.

Rumors of this potential outcome prompted Frontier Airlines' CEO to speak out in a recent CNBC Interview, stating, “I'm not here to talk about M&A.”

Bottom line: Spirit Airlines flights aren't canceled

While long-term plans for Spirit Airlines remain uncertain, the bottom line is that if you are flying Spirit Airlines right now, your flight is not in danger of cancellation.

So you can go ahead and enjoy your trip without concerns.

(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a trip.)

Make a free appointment with TheStreet’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel , or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.