Airlines

Spirit Airlines towards nationalisation

The American low-cost carrier could be acquired by the government. President Trump says: 'This could be a good deal'

by Mara Monti

24 April 2026

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The already bankrupt American low-cost airline Spirit Airlines could be nationalised. This is said by President Donald Trump, who does not rule out a US takeover, calling it a possible good investment for the federal government.

The statements come as the administration considers a rescue plan for the company. 'We're thinking about stepping in: helping them, bailing them out, or even buying them,' Trump told reporters, adding that it would be a 'debt-free operation' due to the company's 'excellent planes and good resources'.

Trump also speculated on a future resale of the company, 'when the price of oil falls', with the aim of making a profit. According to the president, public intervention would also help to safeguard jobs.

A possible state takeover would be a breath of fresh air for Spirit, which has been struggling for some time and is close to liquidation. In August 2025, the company filed for Chapter 11 protection for the second time in less than a year.

Before the escalation of the conflict with Iran, the company was expected to emerge from bankruptcy proceedings by the summer, after an agreement with creditors to reduce billions of dollars of debt and fleet costs.

A government intervention would be yet another coup for a company that has long been looking for a buyer. In the past, Spirit has unsuccessfully attempted several mergers. The Trump administration has blamed part of the blame on former President Joe Biden.

Before the first bankruptcy, Spirit had agreed to be acquired by JetBlue Airways, but the Justice Department, under the Biden administration, blocked the deal on antitrust grounds; a federal judge confirmed the stop in 2024. In 2025, talks with Frontier Group Holdings resumed, but no agreement was reached.

Earlier this month, Trump said he was willing to help Spirit, but any public bailout could face opposition from competitors, who are also struggling with rising fuel costs.

In recent months, United Airlines drastically reduced its annual profit forecast, while Alaska Air Group withdrew its estimates for 2026. Delta Air Lines, on the other hand, decided not to update its forecasts.

The industry as a whole is going through a phase of uncertainty. United's CEO Scott Kirby even speculated about a merger with American Airlines Group during a meeting with Trump in February, shortly before the start of the conflict in the Middle East.

Subsequently, Trump said he was against a merger between American and United, a position also shared by American Airlines, which ruled out any such interest.