The budget carrier is in advanced discussions with bondholders over a filing that could occur within weeks.

Spirit Airlines Inc. shares fell more than 60% in the after-hours session Tuesday after the Wall Street Journal reported it was nearing bankruptcy after merger talks with Frontier Group Holdings Inc.

Spirit Airlines Inc. is preparing to file for bankruptcy protection after merger talks with Frontier Group Holdings Inc. broke down, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Spirit Airlines is preparing to file for bankruptcy protection after merger talks with Frontier Airlines broke down, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Shares of the company were down 39% at $1.8 after the bell. The stock has fallen nearly 80% this year, while the S&P 500 passenger airlines index jumped 52%.

Spirit Airlines is preparing to file for bankruptcy protection after merger talks with Frontier Airlines broke down, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The ultra-low cost carrier is in advanced discussions with bondholders to hammer out a bankruptcy plan that would have support from a majority of creditors,

Spirit Airlines is on the brink of filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following the collapse of its merger talks with Frontier Airlines. With more than $3 billion in debt, Spirit is negotiating with bondholders for a restructuring plan that could allow it to continue operations under bankruptcy protection.