Spirit Airlines, a low-cost airline that once operated hundreds of daily flights and employed about 17,000 people, has ended operations after 34 years. The airline announced that it had begun an orderly wind-down of its operations, effective immediately. All flights have been canceled and customer service is no longer available. The company advised customers that they could expect refunds but there will be no assistance in booking travel on other airlines. Spirit has been struggling financially since the COVID-19 pandemic, heavily burdened by rising operating costs and growing debt. President Donald Trump had reportedly offered a taxpayer-funded takeover, but no deal was reached. Supporters of a rescue including labor unions representing Spirit's pilots, flight attendants and ramp workers argue that a collapse would put thousands of Americans out of work and increase consumer competition.