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.

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

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 reportedly preparing to file for bankruptcy protection within weeks after a merger with Frontier Airlines fell through.