Spirit Airlines seeks bankruptcy bailout

Facing a critical cash shortage and the impact of soaring jet fuel prices, Spirit Airlines is negotiating a federal lifeline to avoid total liquidation.

The proposed bailout has sparked a fierce debate in Washington, with some Republicans condemning the move as a 'socialistic' intervention into the private market.

Spirit has not turned a profit since 2019 and has struggled to compete following a series of failed merger attempts.

If finalized, the deal would mark one of the most significant government interventions in the aviation sector since the pandemic era.