New Delhi, 02 May (H.S.): Amid the persistent West Asia crisis and escalating oil prices, the ultra-low-cost American airline Spirit Airlines has declared the immediate suspension of operations after 34 years. The company has cancelled all flights and discontinued customer services, imperilling the livelihoods of approximately 17,000 employees.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Spirit Airlines announced the cancellation of all flights, attributing the decision to the failure to obtain a prospective bailout from the White House. Consequently, it has initiated an orderly closure of operations, effective forthwith.

Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Spirit Airlines, halted its activities after failing to secure a $500 million rescue package.

In truth, the carrier was already grappling with financial exigency and insolvency, compounded by surging fuel costs and the repercussions of the Iran conflict. This shutdown may affect nearly 17,000 workers' employment prospects and could erode competition within the aviation industry.

According to media reports, Spirit Airlines regretfully declared today that it has commenced a systematic wind-down of operations, effective immediately. This has precipitated fare increases and inconvenienced passengers. The ramifications are already evident, with airfares rising and other airlines advancing to accommodate the surge in demand.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar