UK domestic airline cancels all flights; flyers stranded

A domestic airline in the UK has suspended operations and all of its flights have been cancelled.

Customers of Eastern Airways, which operated regional services from airports across the UK, were being urged not to go to airports for booked journeys as flights will not be operating, the UK Civil Aviation Authority said.

The airline flew to destinations including Aberdeen, Humberside, Gatwick, Newquay, Teesside International and Wick John O’Groats, its website says.

On Monday morning, the company filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator at the insolvency and companies court within the high court, local media said

Selina Chadha, consumer and markets director at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled.

“Eastern Airways customers should visit the CAA website for the latest information.”

In response to the suspension of Eastern Airways operations, London North Eastern Railway, ScotRail, TransPennine Express and Northern would offer free standard-class travel to Eastern Airways staff and customers on suitable routes operated, the Civil Aviation Authority said.

To access this support, people should show an Eastern Airways employee ID, boarding pass or flight confirmation to station staff.

Founded in 1997, Eastern Airways employed around 280 people.  

Another budget airline shuts down operations

Yet another budget airline has gone out of business, leaving unwitting passengers stranded.

Icelandic low-cost airline Play has abruptly shut down, travel news hub Travel Mole reports.

That has led to thousands of stranded passengers as its entire flight network was cancelled.

The airline issued a message to customers saying: “Fly PLAY has ceased operations, and all flights have been cancelled. We kindly advise you to check flights with other airlines. Some carriers may offer special ‘rescue fares’ considering the circumstances.”

Customers were advised to contact their credit card issuers and travel agents to file for refunds.

The airline has offered Europe-wide flights and transatlantic services.

Keflavik Airport in Reykjavik said the sudden news impacted about 1,750 passengers at the airport.

Play flights to Baltimore, Barcelona and Lisbon were cancelled, as well as inbound services from Paris, London and Copenhagen.

More than 500 employees are likely to be made redundant.

Play, launched in 2021, had a 10-plane fleet and carried about 1.6 million passengers in 2024.