By

Kris Van Cleave

Kris Van Cleave

Emmy Award-winning journalist Kris Van Cleave is the senior transportation correspondent for CBS News based in Phoenix, Arizona, where he also serves as a national correspondent reporting for all CBS News broadcasts and platforms.

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April 17, 2026 / 6:13 PM EDT / CBS News

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Spirit Airlines has approached the Trump administration about an emergency bailout to keep the beleaguered discount carrier in business and avoid liquidation due to skyrocketing fuel prices, CBS News has learned.

"Spirit is looking for a lifeline," a source familiar told CBS News.

Some Spirit creditors have questioned the airline's ongoing viability and are concerned the airline will not be able to make an upcoming multimillion-dollar debt payment due to surging fuel prices, raising the possibility that the carrier could be forced into liquidation in the near future.

Spirit executives and other low-cost carriers are expected to meet with Transportation Secretary…