In a shocking turn of events, Spirit Airlines is reportedly preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This news comes on the heels

Spirit Airlines’ shares plunged more than 50% in early trading Wednesday, following a report that it is preparing to file bankruptcy — and the company’s announcement that it won’t report quarterly financial results because it’s scrambling to reach a deal with creditors.

Spirit Airlines is preparing to file for bankruptcy protection after merger talks with Frontier Airlines broke down, according to people familiar with the matter. The Florida-based budget airline is in advanced discussions with bondholders to hammer out a bankruptcy plan that would have support from a majority of creditors,

The Miramar, Florida-based discount airline is expected to file for bankruptcy protection from its debts in as little as 10 days or within weeks, sources familiar with the matter confirmed to CBS News. The Wall Street Journal first reported the looming bankruptcy filing.

The budget airline, which is reportedly on the brink of bankruptcy after its merger talks with Frontier collapsed, is known for being…well, not necessarily the gold standard of air travel. But if you’re traveling light (a checked bag will cost you) and willing to contort your body into a vanishingly small amount of cabin space,