UK regional carrier Eastern Airways has suspended all operations and is on the brink of collapse, putting hundreds of jobs across Britain and Europe at risk.
The airline, based at Humberside Airport in North Lincolnshire, filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on Monday — a move that gives it up to 10 days of protection from creditors while it explores rescue options or prepares for insolvency proceedings.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority confirmed all Eastern Airways trips have been cancelled and urged passengers not to go to airports for their flights.
“We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled,” said Selina Chadha, the CAA’s consumer and markets director.
The regulator advised travelers to seek alternative transport, adding that rail companies including London North Eastern Railway, ScotRail, TransPennine Express and Northern Railway will offer free standard-class travel to affected passengers and staff on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Post has sought comment from Eastern Airways.
Airport departure boards showed widespread cancellations Monday, including the 7 a.m. flight from Newquay to London Gatwick, the 2:30 p.m. service from Aberdeen to Wick, and the 6:15 p.m. flight from Teesside to Aberdeen.
Scottish airline Loganair said it would offer stranded passengers discounted airfares on flights between Aberdeen and Kirkwall or Sumburgh through Oct. 30.
Passengers who booked directly with Eastern are advised to contact their credit or debit card issuers to seek chargebacks for cancelled flights, the CAA said.
Eastern Airways, founded in 1997, operated regional routes across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
It also ran subsidized services backed by the Scottish government connecting Aberdeen with Wick John O’Groats — a lifeline route for residents in the northernmost part of mainland Britain.
The carrier’s network included flights from East Midlands, Jersey, Manchester, Newcastle, Newquay and Southampton, as well as Esbjerg in Denmark.
It was also active in the North Sea oil and gas industry, ferrying workers between energy hubs such as Aberdeen, Humberside and Teesside.
Like other regional airlines, Eastern has struggled financially since the COVID-19 pandemic, hit by lower passenger demand and rising fuel and maintenance costs.
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