Cancun, Q.R. — Travelers at the Cancun International Airport have been affected by the suspension of operations by Spirit Airlines. On Saturday, the low-cost U.S. airline canceled all its flights and ended its customer service.
The company announced “Spirit is winding down all operations” on its website Saturday, at which time state tourism officials headed to the Cancun airport to assist travelers.
Cancun International was expecting the scheduled landing of flight NKS 285 from Detroit Saturday. The plane was expected to land at 9:00 a.m. and take off again at 10:30 a.m., however, the plane did not arrive.
Personnel from the state’s Secretary of Tourism were at the Cancun International Airport to assist stranded travelers. A notice of assistance was also posted online to help those left behind by Spirit Airlines.
“Due to the situation arising from the cessation of operations by Spirit Airlines, Quintana Roo has activated assistance channels to support affected passengers.
“If your flight was canceled, please contact Guest Assist for guidance and support.
“Download the app: https://f.mtr.cool/kephiqysxi or Guest Assist Call Center: 8002774780
“The Mexican Caribbean continues to operate normally. We are here to help you,” the Secretaría de Turismo de Quintana Roo posted on social media Saturday.
The airline suspension is the result of failed talks with the federal government over a $500 million USD rescue deal.
While many travelers found out about the airline’s cancelations through email, a spokesperson for Spirit said most of the company’s employees found through media reports that they were about to lose their jobs.
According to data from Airline Data Inc., Spirit had 277 flights scheduled Saturday, all of which were cancelled.
“To our Guests: all flights have been cancelled, and customer service is no longer available. 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,” Spirit said in a statement on its website.
Spirit Airlines operated 36 non-stop flights a week into the Cancun International Airport from eight destinations.
Three of the most affected U.S. airports with direct flights into Cancun are Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
