Budget carriers Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines have reportedly re-engaged in merger conversations two years after a proposed deal fell apart.

Citing people familiar with the matter, the Wall Street Journal reports that the two airlines have recently discussed a possible merger. However, sources say the talks are at an early stage and a deal is not guaranteed.

Frontier and Spirit came close to merging in 2022 but the former was outbid by JetBlue, which was ultimately undone by the U.S. Justice Department when it blocked the $3.8 billion merger earlier this year.

Spirit has been bleeding cash of late¡ªfailing to report a profit in five out of the last six quarters¡ªleading to a potential bankruptcy filing in the wake of its failed merger with JetBlue.

The Dania Beach, Florida-based ultra-low-cost carrier has already warned of a bigger third-quarter loss than anticipated and announced that it has reached an agreement with U.S. Bank National Association to extend a debt refinancing deadline until December 23.

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