airline

Business

Spirit Airlines Ceases All Operations, Leaving Thousands Stranded and 17,000 Jobs in Limbo

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Spirit Airlines, the pioneering ultra-low-cost carrier that democratized air travel for millions, abruptly shut down early Saturday after last-ditch bailout talks with the U.S. government collapsed. The airline grounded all flights, idled 17,000 employees, and left passengers scrambling at airports across the country.

May 3, 2026

Business

Soaring Fuel Costs Threaten Summer Travel as Airlines Signal Fare Hikes

A sharp rise in jet fuel prices, driven by Middle East tensions and supply constraints, is forcing airlines to prepare fare increases just as peak travel season approaches, with California travelers likely to feel the greatest impact.

Mar 18, 2026

Business

From Viral Meme to Premium Seats: Jet2, Britain's Beloved Budget Airline, Tests the Waters with First-Ever Business Class

British low-cost carrier Jet2, propelled to viral fame by a 2025 meme, is making an unexpected move into the premium travel market. The airline will reconfigure a Boeing 737-800 into an all-business-class cabin for charter flights, marking a significant strategic test for the budget-focused brand.

Apr 18, 2026

Business

‘Let’s Buy Spirit’ Campaign Raises $88 Million in Pledges After Airline Collapse

A viral grassroots campaign to resurrect Spirit Airlines has drawn tens of thousands of supporters and millions in nonbinding pledges, despite experts calling the plan a long shot.

May 6, 2026

Business

Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Co-Founder, Eyes New Airline Launch Amid Fuel Price Turmoil

Bloomberg reports that Tony Fernandes is preparing to launch a new airline, capitalizing on oil price volatility, with an announcement expected within months.

May 7, 2026

World

Cuba Suspends Aviation Fuel Supply to Foreign Carriers Amid Deepening Energy Crisis

Cuba has halted jet fuel supplies to international airlines for one month, forcing major carriers to reroute or carry extra fuel. The move, a direct result of U.S.-led oil sanctions following the Venezuela intervention, threatens to disrupt regional air travel and exacerbate the island's humanitarian situation.

Feb 10, 2026

Business

Avenger Flight Group Seeks Chapter 11 Protection Amid Industry Turbulence, Highlighting Ripple Effects of Airline Distress

Major flight training provider Avenger Flight Group files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing heavy debt and customer bankruptcies, despite a booming global pilot shortage. The case underscores how financial woes in the airline sector are cascading through vital support industries.

Feb 14, 2026

Business

French Food Giant Fleury Michon Lands in Kentucky with First U.S. Plant, Targeting Airline Meal Market

The Fleury Michon Group, through its MarfoFMA division, is investing over $37 million to convert a former White Castle site in South Covington into a frozen meal production facility, creating 78 jobs and bolstering its North American airline catering operations.

Mar 9, 2026

Trump Floats Idea of U.S. Government Buying Spirit Airlines Outright

President Donald Trump said Thursday the administration is considering a rescue of the struggling budget carrier, including a potential full acquisition that would make it a state-owned asset.

Apr 24, 2026

Business

Spirit Airlines Stock Surges on Trump Rescue Hints, but Can the Budget Carrier Avoid Another Crash Landing?

President Trump’s offhand comments about wanting to see Spirit Airlines saved have sent the bankrupt carrier’s stock soaring. But with fuel costs rising, a second bankruptcy looming, and a potential government bailout that could dilute shareholders, the rally may be more about hope than fundamentals.

Apr 27, 2026

Business

JetBlue Q1 2026 Earnings: Strong Demand Meets Fuel Headwinds as Airline Charts a Cautious Course

JetBlue Airways reported solid first-quarter demand and revenue gains, but rising fuel costs and limited recapture capacity in Q1 tempered the outlook. Executives outlined capacity cuts, aircraft financing flexibility, and a measured approach to new first-class seating as the airline navigates a turbulent environment.

Apr 29, 2026

Business

American Airlines Bets $1.14 Billion That Its Planes Are Worth More Than Its Credit Rating

The Fort Worth-based carrier launched a $1.14 billion bond offering on April 27, pledging 32 aircraft as collateral in a move that allows the company to borrow on terms far more favorable than its balance sheet would normally allow.

Apr 30, 2026

Business

Republic Airways Posts Strong Q1 Profit, Maps Out Mesa Integration and Leadership Handover

Republic Airways reported a 34% revenue surge in its first fiscal quarter since merging with Mesa Air Group, while announcing a CEO transition and outlining a multi-year integration roadmap.

Apr 30, 2026

Business

Spirit Airlines Grounds All Flights, Stranding Thousands as Fuel Crisis and Failed Bailout Force Shutdown

Spirit Airlines abruptly ceased operations Saturday morning, leaving passengers with no options and employees facing layoffs after a last-ditch government rescue deal collapsed.

May 2, 2026

Business

Spirit Airlines, the Budget Pioneer That Reshaped U.S. Air Travel, Ceases Operations

Spirit Airlines, the ultra-low-cost carrier known for its yellow planes, provocative ads, and unbundled fares, flew its last flight Saturday, ending a 34-year run that transformed the airline industry. Once valued at $5.5 billion, the carrier collapsed under rising fuel costs, mounting debt, and the very competition it helped create.

May 3, 2026

Business

Spirit Airlines Crowdfunding Drive Surpasses $300 Million After Viral TikTok Campaign

A TikTok creator’s satirical proposal to crowdfund a purchase of Spirit Airlines has unexpectedly raised over $300 million, sparking debate about the future of the bankrupt carrier.

May 10, 2026

Business

Southwest Airlines Charts Aggressive Course After 'Year of Transformation,' Forecasts Earnings Surge in 2026

Southwest Airlines capped off 2025 with record revenue and improved operations, positioning the carrier for what executives project will be a dramatic earnings acceleration next year, driven by new initiatives like assigned seating and a refined loyalty program.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Israel's Competition Authority Seeks Record $39 Million Fine Against El Al Over Wartime Fare Controversy

Israel's national airline faces a proposed NIS 121 million fine for allegedly exploiting its near-monopoly on international routes during the Hamas conflict. El Al disputes the claims, arguing fare increases were justified.

Feb 8, 2026

Business

American Airlines in Crisis: Pilots and Flight Attendants Issue Stark Warnings Over Leadership and Performance

As American Airlines grapples with a steep profit decline and internal turmoil, its pilot and flight attendant unions have taken the unprecedented step of issuing public votes of no-confidence in CEO Robert Isom's leadership, demanding urgent strategic change.

Feb 11, 2026

Business

Transatlantic Tensions Ground Flights: Air Transat Becomes Latest Carrier to Exit U.S. Market

Persistent diplomatic friction and a sustained slump in Canadian travel demand have prompted Air Transat to phase out all U.S. routes by mid-2026, joining other airlines in scaling back transborder service as analysts reassess the long-term impact of trade and political disputes on tourism.

Feb 14, 2026