Trump says he would like someone to buy troubled Spirit Airlines

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he would like someone to acquire bankrupt low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines and said it was possible the federal government could get involved.

"I'd love somebody to buy Spirit. It's 14,000 jobs, and maybe the federal government should help that one out," Trump told CNBC. Last week, Reuters ​reported Spirit's bankruptcy exit plan is under ​renewed pressure ⁠after a sharp rise in jet fuel prices undermined key assumptions behind its restructuring.

Spirit did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

USDOT has held discussions with major airlines on what would happen to passenger with tickets on Spirit if the airline was forced to liquidate, sources told Reuters.

On Tuesday, the CEOs of major low-cost airlines are set ​to meet with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ‌as they urge Congress to provide temporary tax relief.

Spirit built its turnaround on fuel costs averaging ‌about $2.24 per gallon in 2026 and $2.14 in 2027, based on its March disclosures. By mid-April, jet fuel prices were around $4.24 a gallon, roughly double the level assumed in its projections.

The pressure comes as Spirit seeks court approval ​for a second restructuring in less than a year, after emerging from bankruptcy in March 2025 and continuing to face elevated domestic capacity, weak leisure demand and a difficult pricing environment. Creditors say the ​plan leaves little margin for error.

Airlines worldwide ‌are struggling with surging jet fuel costs after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

On Monday, JetBlue Airways CEO Joanna Geraghty told employees the carrier was not considering bankruptcy for this year.

The New York-based carrier recently secured a $500 million debt financing commitment backed by ​up to 22 aircraft, with an option to raise an additional $250 ⁠million using more planes as collateral. The airline had ample liquidity and access to ​additional capital, Geraghty added.