Spirit Airlines ceased operations Saturday.

"It is with great disappointment that on May 2, 2026, Spirit Airlines started an orderly wind-down of our operations, effective immediately," the airline announced to customers. 

"To our Guests: all flights have been cancelled, and customer service is no longer available," the announcement reads. "We are proud of the impact of our ultra-low-cost model on the industry over the last 34 years and had hoped to serve our guests for many years to come."

The airline told customers not to come to the airport, since no one would be there from the company. 

Flights will not be rescheduled with another airline, but refunds will be immediately issued. 

The website Spiritrestricturing.com has been created to give information and provide updates.

     As the end of Spirit has been predicted, the question locally has been, What could that mean for Atlantic City International Airport, where Spirit has long been a mainstay?

What does this mean for ACY?

While Spirit has been the airline most associated with Atlantic City International, it is far from the only carrier to fly in and out of the Egg Harbor Township airport, points out Atlantic City transportation analyst Tony Marino.

“Probably 10 airlines have come and gone” in the airport’s history, Marino said. “Now Spirit has come and is apparently going.”

Allegiant Air currently operates nonstop service to four Florida locations: Fort Lauderdale, Orlando/Sanford, St. Petersburg/Clearwater, and Punta Gorda. Allegiant will also launch service to Myrtle Beach, S.C., starting May 21.

Breeze Airways also begins new service next week, with nonstop flights to Charleston, S.C. Raleigh/Durham, N.C, starts June 11 and and Tampa, Fla., will begin July 1.

"We remain focused on maintaining a range of reliable, convenient air service options for our passengers and will provide updates as official information becomes available," said Kimberly Testa, spokeswoman for the South Jersey Transportation Authority, the airport operator.

Four low-budget airlines remain operating nationwide, Marino noted, including the two that already have made a home at ACY.

Both Allegiant and Breeze had positive things to say about the location.

"We're thrilled to bring our brand of low-cost, high-value travel to one of New Jersey's most iconic destinations," Allegiant Chief Commercial Officer Drew Wells said during the announcement last August. "Connecting this vibrant community with several cities across Florida not only strengthens our leisure network, but opens up more affordable and convenient travel options for our customers in both regions. It's a win for travelers seeking sun and sand, and for those who want to experience the coastal charm of the Eastern Seaboard or stroll along Atlantic City's famed Boardwalk."

Five months later, Breeze Airways was singing the area's praises. 

“Atlantic City is not only a great destination for travelers, but also a gateway to many other metro areas,” Breeze Airways Founder and CEO David Neeleman said, as he appeared at the Jan. 28 announcement via video. “We know Atlantic City will be a welcome addition to our Guests in Charleston, Raleigh, and Tampa, and we look forward to introducing our new Guests in Atlantic City to Breeze.”

Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson said he has a solution, even if he says no one has asked.

"My solution is to have the Port Authority come down here and take over this airport," he said. "They have the resources. They have the manpower. I would love to be able to get it done." 

Levinson said he will do everything in his power to keep an airline at ACY.

"It should be attractive to other airlines,” he said. "I know people who drive by Newark to come to ACY. The parking is convenient, you're in and out, the lines aren't there.

"I want this airport to be viable," Levinson added.

Marino predicted that SJTA will try to fill Spirit’s routes with Allegiant.

He also would not be surprised if Frontier Airlines shows interest in coming to Atlantic City International.

“We have a wonderful airport,” Marino said, adding that it can accommodate several airlines with several gates.

Even a large carrier, American Airlines, has a presence there, he pointed out.

American offers bus service directly from Atlantic City International to Philadelphia International Airport to allow passengers to catch American flights out of Philadelphia.

“There’s going to be a lot of traffic at ACY,” Marino said. “And we probably will forget Spirit a year from now, like we did all the other airlines before them.”