How Spirit’s collapse changed the economy — and lives. ‘Back to ramen noodles’

Former Spirit Airlines employees, who were recently left without jobs as the airlines closed Saturday, gather across from corporate headquarters on Monday, May 4, 2026, in Dania Beach, Fla. “Everybody that showing up is a good representation of who we are as a company, not just the flight attendants but it’s dispatch operations, ramp workers, everyone is here,” said Leanne Hugg. About 300 people came out to support each other. By Alie Skowronski

By Vinod Sreeharsha

Like much of the world, Donald “Dean” Zoellers learned of Spirit Airlines’ demise on the morning of May 2.

He was hit hard, certainly more than travelers who loved the Broward-based carrier’s low prices or bright yellow planes. The 63-year-old grandfather of seven worked as a maintenance controller, managing airline maintenance technicians at Orlando International Airport.

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