Spirit Airlines has ceased operations, citing a doubling in jet fuel prices directly linked to the ongoing two-month-old conflict in the Middle East involving Iran. This makes Spirit the first U.S. carrier to collapse under such pressure, leading to the loss of thousands of jobs. The situation highlights the significant global economic repercussions of international conflicts on vital industries.

<img alt="A Spirit Airlines plane lands at an airport in Florida" height="349" src="https://i.cbc.ca/ais/e98d4978-2bda-4c13-b487-8b5309d7209b,1777690568246/full/max/0/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%280%2C357%2C5472%2C3078%29%3BResize%3D%28620%29" title="A Spirit Airlines flight arrives at Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S., April 23, 2026." width="620" /><p>The collapse of the first U.S. carrier due to a doubling in jet fuel prices during the two-...