When Spirit Airlines abruptly shut down all operations after failing to secure a federal bailout, the immediate fallout was felt well beyond stranded passengers. The sudden loss of a major ultra-low-cost carrier stripped out millions of seats from the market almost instantly, forcing rival airlines to move quickly to absorb demand while raising fresh concerns about higher fares and reduced competition. The collapse of the ultra‑low‑cost carrier removed a major competitor from dozens of U.S.