Spirit shutdown hits DTW

Spirit Airlines' shutdown means higher fares are likely at DTW and other airports.

Why it matters: After Delta, Spirit Airlines is DTW's No. 2 carrier, with about 1.7 million passengers in 2025, the Detroit News reported.

Driving the news: The company's demise — which comes after two bankruptcies and a failed attempt to secure a government bailout — marks the first death of a major U.S. airline in decades.

Catch up quick: Spirit — which has about 17,000 employees and contractors — announced early Saturday that it will immediately wind down.

• The company said passengers who booked flights with credit or debit cards will automatically get refunds.

State of play: Local airport officials advised Spirit travelers on Saturday not to come to DTW.

What they're saying: "Fares would likely rise, especially on routes where Spirit keeps prices low by competing aggressively," Western Michigan College of Aviation assistant professor Selim Ozyurek told the News.

How Spirit went down