Spirit Airlines bankruptcy could mean higher airfares at RSW

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—The Trump administration is considering a possible bailout for Spirit Airlines as the budget carrier faces potential liquidation.

The proposed $500 million bailout would have the federal government take a stake in Spirit Airlines, which has struggled financially since the pandemic. The funding would help Spirit complete its bankruptcy reorganization.

Spirit operates 49 flights weekly out of Southwest Florida International Airport, connecting the region to cities like Chicago, Boston and Atlantic City. If those flights disappear, travelers could face higher prices due to reduced competition.

Some lawmakers oppose the bailout plan.

"I don't like it. I'm not sure why we would do it. The free market is the free market. We've known the airline business is a tough business for decades," Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, said.

"I don't think it's the government's job to get in the business of owning an airline," Rep. Mark Alford, R-Missouri, said.

Southwest Florida has experienced similar impacts before. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, when Frontier Airlines stopped flying between 2023 and 2025, fares from RSW to Puerto Rico increased by more than $100.

Spirit says it's continuing normal operations for now. Whether the bailout moves forward could impact flight options and prices for travelers in Southwest Florida.