Spirit Airlines abruptly shut down operations early Saturday, canceling all flights and closing customer service, leaving travelers stranded and prompting renewed scrutiny of a previously blocked merger between Spirit and JetBlue.

The airline’s collapse has reignited debate over federal regulators’ decision to block the proposed merger, with critics questioning whether the move contributed to Spirit’s financial downfall and reduced competition in the airline industry.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., faced criticism following the shutdown due to her prior support for blocking the deal.

In a March 2024 post on X, Warren had written, "I’ve warned for months that a @JetBlue-@SpiritAirlines merger would have led to fewer flights and higher fares. @JusticeATR and @USDOT were right to stand up for consumers and fight against runaway airline consolidation. This is a Biden win for flyers!"

I've warned for months that a @JetBlue-@SpiritAirlines merger would have led to fewer flights and higher fares.@JusticeATR and @USDOT were right to stand up for consumers and fight against runaway airline consolidation.

This is a Biden win for flyers! https://t.co/lJFGS3ucv3 — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 6, 2024

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At the time, officials in the Biden administration defended the decision to challenge the merger in court.

Former Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a March 2024 statement, "The Justice Department proved in court that a merger between JetBlue and Spirit would have caused tens of millions of travelers to face higher fares and fewer choices."

He added, "Today’s decision by JetBlue is yet another victory for the Justice Department’s work on behalf of American consumers."

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Then-Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter also characterized the outcome as beneficial for travelers.

"Our win in court is a victory for U.S. travelers who deserve lower prices and better choices," Kanter said.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, under former Secretary Pete Buttigieg, also supported the effort to block the merger.

In a 2023 statement, the agency said it "fully supports the Justice Department’s lawsuit… to block the proposed JetBlue-Spirit merger," arguing the deal would "eliminat[e] the largest, most aggressive ultra-low-cost competitor" and "substantially reduc[e] competition."

Americans deserve robust competition & affordable airfares. USDOT supports DOJ's antitrust lawsuit, & we plan to deny the JetBlue-Spirit request for an exemption on their merger deal. We will continue with our own investigation while supporting DOJ's work. https://t.co/vs4Aqgdiru

— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) March 7, 2023

Following Spirit’s shutdown, Warren defended her earlier position in a new post on X.

"Spiking fuel prices from Trump’s war was the nail in the coffin for twice-bankrupted Spirit airline," she wrote.

"FWIW, JetBlue merger failed because a judge, appointed by Ronald Reagan, said the deal was illegal. Republicans are desperate to shift blame from higher costs hitting families."

Warren’s office also pointed to fuel prices as a contributing factor.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, wrote on X that Spirit’s restructuring plan had projected jet fuel costs of approximately $2.24 per gallon in 2026, but prices had risen to about $4.51 per gallon by the end of April.

A community note on X offered a different perspective, stating, "Senator Warren previously helped block the merger of JetBlue and Spirit which would have resulted in a 5th major airline and more competition against major airlines."

The Big Four airlines (American, Delta, Southwest, United) control 75% of the U.S. market.

Fewer choices = higher prices for you. — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) April 30, 2026

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized the earlier decision to block the merger.

"This merger should have been allowed," Duffy said Saturday.

"This is not better for travelers. This is not better for pricing. This is not better for competition… It’s worse. We had an airline go down," he said.

Spirit’s shutdown has created immediate challenges for passengers, with major airlines placing caps on fares and offering limited accommodations for those affected.

Displaced employees have been directed toward hiring pipelines at other carriers.

The Justice Department had filed its lawsuit under antitrust law, arguing that the merger would remove a key low-cost competitor and lead to higher prices on certain routes.

A federal judge agreed with the government’s position after a multi-week trial, ultimately blocking the deal.

Spirit had faced financial difficulties for years and had previously filed for bankruptcy as part of efforts to stabilize operations.

According to prior reporting, the Trump administration explored options to keep the airline operating, but a proposed bailout did not move forward before Spirit ceased operations.

The airline’s closure has intensified discussion over whether regulatory decisions, market conditions, and operational challenges combined to shape the outcome for one of the nation’s largest ultra-low-cost carriers.

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