How Spirit Airlines grew so fast — and why it's experiencing so much turbulence now

NPR

Published April 30, 2026 at 5:57 PM EDT

As Spirit Airlines hangs on the brink of liquidation, we look back at how it grew so fast, and how the bigger airlines fought back to beat them at their own game.

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

20,000 civilian sailors are stuck in the gulf that opens to the Strait of Hormuz

Diaa Hadid

Thousands of seafarers remain stuck as the Strait of Hormuz blockade continues. The United Nations urges for a plan to facilitate their release.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills says she's suspending her campaign for U.S. Senate

Steve Mistler

Maine Gov. Janet Mills announced Thursday that she is suspending her campaign for U.S. Senate. That move shakes up a race Democrats see as critical in gaining the majority in the U.S. Senate.
Removing temporary protected status of Haitians would hurt local economies, experts say

Sacha Pfeiffer

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on whether to end Temporary Protected Status for people seeking refuge as a result of armed conflicts, natural disasters or extraordinary temporary conditions.
Questions arise about freedom of speech for those who criticize the president

David Folkenflik, Tamara Keith

The Trump administration's indictment against former FBI Director James Comey and probe of ABC stations raise questions about the bounds of free speech at this time.
Suicide rates have dropped since the 2022 launch of the 988 line

Mia Venkat, Fiona Geiran, Juana Summers, Christopher Intagliata

NPR's Juana Summers talks with Angela Kimball of the mental health advocacy group Inseparable about the drop in suicide rates after the launch of the 988 Lifeline.