Eastern Airways, a UK airline carrying approximately 1.3 million passengers annually, is on the verge of collapsing into administration. The company has filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator, a legal step that provides a temporary ten-day freeze on creditor actions.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed that the airline has suspended all operations. Selina Chadha, Consumer & Markets Director at the CAA, urged passengers not to go to the airport, stating: 'We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled.'
Founded in 1997, Eastern Airways serves several domestic UK airports, including Aberdeen, Humberside, London Gatwick, Newquay, Teesside International, and Wick. It previously operated international routes to destinations such as Paris. The airline reported a net loss of £19.7 million for the 12 months to March 2024, with total debt rising to £25.97 million.
Passengers with packaged holiday bookings should contact their provider for alternative flights or refunds. Those with independent bookings may need to arrange new flights and could claim through travel insurance or credit card providers if scheduled airline failure cover is included.
The potential collapse follows the recent failure of Icelandic budget airline Fly PLAY, which ceased operations last month. Other travel firms, including Usher Travel Worldchoice, Balkan Holidays Ltd, Jetline Travel, and Great Little Escapes LLP, have also closed this year.
