Multiple airlines are preparing to step in and help stranded passengers, as reports indicate that a major competitor is on the verge of shutting down and suspending its flights.

This worrisome news comes from a report by The Air Current, which sounded the alarm on December 12, 2025.

The impending shutdown could potentially force a major U.S. Airline to discontinue operations as soon as December 13, 2025, which would leave many travelers with flights that are unexpectedly cancelled during a prime travel season.

Spirit Airlines has been operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

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Spirit Airlines allegedly nears collapse

According to The Air Current, the airline that is at imminent risk of shutting down is Spirit Airlines. 

Spirit Airlines is currently in the midst of its second bankruptcy, and The Air Current indicates that there is a December 13, 2025, deadline that could affect its ability to draw $100 million from its financing.

Related: American Airlines cancels multiple daily flights starting in May

If Spirit Airlines isn’t able to access the funding, The Air Current reports that it could lead to an abrupt and immediate end to its operations.

Thousands of flights could be affected if the airline stops operating

If Spirit Airlines must shut down abruptly, it could have an immediate and devastating impact on passengers. 

Spirit Airlines has 428 flights scheduled on December 13, 2025, according to data from Cirium Diio. If the airline doesn’t receive the necessary capital injection, the Air Current says it may not be able to move forward with those flights. 

Related: Southwest Airlines permanently cancels some daily flights

Spirit Airlines also has another 3,138 flights scheduled through December 20, 2025. If the airline shuts down at any point during this period, this would mean all of those travelers are displaced as they try to get home for the holidays.

Competitors get ready to step in as Spirit Airlines faces a potential shutdown

According to The Air Current, “At least two major U.S. airlines are planning for a possible demise of the struggling low-cost carrier as early as Saturday.”

The Air Current said it was told that these airlines were putting together a rescue plan for the flyers who would be affected.

“Each is accelerating plans to provide a schedule to backfill what would be Spirit’s cancelled flights, along with rescue fares for Spirit customers who would be stranded by an abrupt end to its flying heading into one of the busiest travel periods of the year.”

Spirit Airlines has denied that it is near collapse

While The Air Current is projecting the end of Spirit Airlines’ flights as early as December 13, the airline itself denies that this outcome is on the table.

“There is no truth to any rumors that we are preparing to cease operations. It is business as usual at Spirit, and flights continue to operate normally,” a Spirit spokeswoman said in an email, which also indicated that, “We are working closely with our debtor-in-possession providers and other key stakeholders on a wide variety of issues to support the financial needs and future of the business, as we have been throughout our restructuring process.”

Not everyone expects a Saturday shutdown

While some airline execs are reportedly preparing to help Spirit passengers, not everyone is convinced that flights are going to end so soon.

“I do not expect a Saturday shutdown,” wrote Gary Leff on View from the Wing. “Spirit is not likely at zero cash without a weekend injection of the next $100 million. And it’s likely that their assets are worth more while they’re a going concern than simply parted out. So if no agreeable filing occurs by end of business today, discussions could continue into next week, despite the Saturday deadline.”

Still, Leff did point out that Spirit is expected to come up with a reorganization plan or details of a potential sale, and that no plan has been filed despite the deadline to release funding. And, he said, “Spirit is losing over $3 million a day and needs this funding.”

None of this sounds optimistic, so, for now, passengers may at least be relieved to hear that there is likely a plan in the works in case the worst happens.