Eastern Airways on brink of collapse putting with jobs at risk

Eastern Airways on brink of collapse putting with jobs at risk

Eastern Airways, a UK regional airline, is facing a dire situation as it has suspended its operations and is on the verge of collapse, jeopardizing hundreds of jobs. The airline took the step of filing a notice of intention to appoint an administrator after multiple flights were canceled, including routes like Teesside to Aberdeen. Eastern Airways has been a prominent presence across the UK, Ireland, and Europe, providing services that are supported by the Scottish government for residents living in the northernmost areas of mainland UK. Confirming the suspension of operations, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) disclosed that all flights of the airline had been canceled.

A notice to appoint administrators offers businesses up to 10 days of legal protection from creditors to explore rescue options, restructure, or prepare for insolvency proceedings. Airport departure boards displayed cancelled Eastern Airways flights, such as those from Newquay to London Gatwick, Teesside to Aberdeen, Aberdeen to Wick, and Aberdeen to Teesside. Selina Chadha, the CAA’s consumer and markets director, advised Eastern’s passengers to visit the regulator’s website for further details and urged them not to head to the airport due to the flight cancellations. The CAA recommended that individuals with bookings on Eastern Airways look into alternative travel arrangements via rail, coach, or other airlines.

In a bid to assist affected passengers and staff, the CAA announced that London North and Eastern Railway, Scotrail, TransPennine Express, and Northern Railway would provide free standard class travel on specific routes on Tuesday and Wednesday. Passengers who made bookings directly with the airline using credit, debit, or charge cards were advised to contact their card issuer to inquire about making a claim for a chargeback. Established in 1997, Eastern Airways is one of the few remaining regional airlines in the UK, with its base located at Humberside Airport in North Lincolnshire. The airline’s financial stability was significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in declining passenger numbers, alongside operating out of various airports in the UK and Europe, including Esbjerg in Denmark. Furthermore, Eastern Airways has been a key player in the North Sea offshore oil and gas industry, connecting cities like Aberdeen, Humberside, Teesside, and Wick, thereby serving vital transportation needs for individuals in remote regions

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