Spirit passengers applaud as flight touches down at RDU, share memories as airline nears shutdown

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Passengers arriving at Raleigh-Durham International Airport broke into applause as a Spirit Airlines flight touched down, a moment some travelers described as a show of gratitude amid uncertainty about the carrier's future.

Larry and Jaqueline Williams, returning home from their honeymoon, said the clapping felt like a salute to an airline they've relied on for years.

"It's been a great experience. You know, I mean, there's been a hookups in there," Larry Williams said.

The couple said the mood on board suggested many believed the flight could be among Spirit's last.

"This has been such a tremendous blessing to me and my family for a number of years," Larry Williams said. "And when we were in Fort Lauderdale, you know, there was a buzz with the TSA workers, as well as among other staff, you know, that this may be the final flight."

While Raleigh is home for the Williamses, other passengers - including Jorge Rodriguez - may soon have to find new travel options. The Florida-based airline is expected to end operations this weekend.

"If that were to happen, I just got to scramble to find another ticket," Rodriguez said. "I mean, not everybody is fortunate enough to be able to have that ability."

Talks of a $500 million rescue deal collapsed, according to ABC News, leaving travelers worried about what comes next.

"Oh, no," said Michelle Barrow after learning the news. She was preparing to fly to Fort Lauderdale with her two grandchildren.

"That is a big disappointment because we could fly so much cheaper, and Spirit is not out of Wilmington," Barrow said. "So we drove from Wilmington here to be able to fly with Spirit."

Some longtime customers are still holding out hope.

"As we disembarked the plane, you know, one of the flight attendants said, hopefully this won't be the last," Larry Williams said. "And so we agree with that. So hopefully everything worked out."

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RDU officials said Spirit holds about 1% of the airport's market share and serves two of its 87 destinations. Both destinations are also served by other airlines, ensuring travelers will continue to have nonstop access.