Liquidation of low-cost airlines fears grow as jet fuel prices rocket

WorldBusiness & Finance
17 Apr 2026 • 2:35 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Liquidation of low-cost airlines fears grow as jet fuel prices rocket

  • Spirit Airlines faces a potential liquidation threat due to a significant surge in jet fuel prices, jeopardising its plans to emerge from bankruptcy this summer.
  • The sharp increase in fuel costs, now around $4.24 per gallon compared to Spirit′s projected $2.24, is attributed to the war in Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
  • This situation puts the budget carrier's debt restructuring agreement at risk, which was intended to slash debt and reduce operational costs.
  • If Spirit Airlines were to liquidate, travellers with existing bookings could be left stranded, although other airlines might offer discounted “rescue fares”.
  • Spirit Airlines has declined to comment on 'market rumours and speculation', while travel experts advise customers not to cancel flights prematurely.

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