NEW YORK, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Bankrupt U.S. discount carrier Spirit Airlines ceased operations on Saturday after failing to secure creditor backing for a proposed federal bailout, marking the first airline collapse linked to the war in Iran.

The airline announced on its website that it had canceled all flights and that customer service operations are no longer available.

The shutdown follows a sharp surge in jet fuel prices, which have roughly doubled during the two-month conflict, intensifying financial pressure on already struggling carriers. ■