COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Low-cost carrier Skybus Airlines is shutting down Saturday and plans to file for bankruptcy protection next week, becoming the latest of the nation's airlines to fall because of rising fuel costs and a slowing economy.

"Skybus struggled to overcome the combination of rising jet fuel costs and a slowing economic environment. These two issues proved to be insurmountable for a new carrier," said the message on the site.

"We deeply regret the impact this decision will have on our employees and their families, customers, vendors, suppliers, airport officials and others in the cities in which we have operated," the message said.

The airline has about 350 employees in Columbus, Ohio, and 100 at a second hub at Piedmont-Triad International airport in Greensboro, N.C. Employees learned of the shutdown Friday night.

The final flight, taking off from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was scheduled to touch down in Columbus just before 1 a.m. Saturday.

Passengers scheduled to fly Skybus after April 5 should contact their credit card companies for a refund, the site said.

The airline plans to file Monday for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, said Skybus spokesman Bob Tenenbaum.

Skybus, which started up less than a year ago in Columbus, offered at least 10 seats at $10 apiece on every flight and served 15 cities with 74 flights a day.

Besides $10 seats, its al-la-carte service charged $12 for checking bags and $15 to be in the first group of passengers to board.

Skybus has endured some bumps since it began flying May 22, 2007. Over two days during Christmas week, the airline canceled as many as a quarter of its flights because of problems with two of its planes. Recently, it has been dropping flights and destinations because of high fuel costs.

The announcement adds to a string of bad news for airlines, which have been hurt by a slowing economy, high fuel prices and maintenance concerns.

ATA and Aloha Airlines both stopped flying this week after filing for bankruptcy protection. American, Southwest and Delta airlines have all had to cancel flights recently to address safety concerns about some of their aircraft.

Additional Resource:

• Skybus Airlines