Rather than accept Frontier’s offer, Spirit said it will stick to its current plan to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Frontier Airlines is attempting for a second time to merge with the now bankrupt Spirit Airlines, which declared bankruptcy late last year as budget airlines struggle.

Frontier is making an offer to acquire the beleaguered Spirit Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy in November.

Budget carrier Frontier Airlines announced on Wednesday that it has made another bid for fellow discount carrier Spirit Airlines, which is in bankruptcy, for an undisclosed sum.

Frontier Airlines has made another bid for Spirit Airlines, but the offer failed to sway the South Florida-based ULCC as it proceeds through a Chapter 11 restructuring.

Frontier Airlines’ second attempt at acquiring rival Spirit Airlines could impact not only one but two western Pennsylvania airports although the bankrupt air carrier said it preferred to emerge from bankruptcy protection as a standalone carrier.

Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2024, six months after a proposed merger with JetBlue collapsed.

Spirit Airlines said on Wednesday it has rejected a bid from rival Frontier Group as it was not favorable for the low-cost carrier and expects to exit bankruptcy in the first quarter. Frontier offered Spirit shareholders $400 million in debt and a 19% stake in Frontier earlier this month,

Frontier Airlines is making another offer to merge with bankrupt Spirit Airlines, less than two years after a previous plan fell through.

The Denver-based low-cost carrier said its combination with the Dania Beach, Florida-based Spirit would create a stronger low-cost carrier and benefit “from the very significant synergies Frontier expects to achieve by combining the airlines’ operations.”

Frontier Airlines is attempting for a second time to merge with the now bankrupt Spirit Airlines, which declared bankruptcy late last year as budget airlines struggle.