India, May 8 -- Spirit Airlines has ceased operations and begun an orderly shutdown after failing to secure a last-minute rescue package, marking the first collapse of a major U.S. airline due to financial problems in 25 years.
The ultra-low-cost carrier, which had been operating under bankruptcy protection for the second time, canceled all flights effective immediately and instructed customers not to travel to airports.
The shutdown leaves thousands of passengers stranded and puts roughly 17,000 jobs at risk, including about 14,000 Spirit employees.Spirit said customers who purchased tickets directly using credit or debit cards will receive automatic refunds. However, travelers who used vouchers, loyalty points, or other payment methods ...