Passengers urged not to go to airport as Eastern Airways suspends flights 

Passengers have been urged not to go to the airport after Eastern Airways suspended operations.

 

The Humberside-based regional carrier cancelled all flights yesterday, the aviation regulator confirmed.

 

The Civil Aviation Authority said: “All Eastern Airways operated flights are now cancelled. Therefore, please do not go to the airport as flights will not be operating. 

 

“Eastern Airways customers are therefore urged to make their own alternative travel arrangements via other airlines, rail or coach operators.”

 

Eastern’s website showed no sign of the airline being in difficulty early today (Tuesday).

 

However, CAA consumer & markets director Selina Chadha 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 Civil Aviation Authority’s website for the latest information.”

 

The airline filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator - a formal step that gives the company up to 10 days of legal protection from creditors while it explores rescue options, restructures, or prepares for insolvency proceedings.

 

Certain rail companies - London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), ScotRail, TransPennine Express (TPE), and Northern - are offering free travel to Eastern Airways staff and customers today (Tuesday) and Wednesday “on suitable routes operated by each train company” following the suspension of Eastern Airways operations, according to the CAA.

 

Loganair stepped in to provide a special rescue fare on Aberdeen-Kirkwall and Aberdeen-Sumburgh routes “to assist affected Eastern Airways customers in reaching their destinations with minimal disruption”.

 

A spokesperson said: "Following widespread speculation concerning Eastern Airways operations, we’re stepping in to support passengers in any way we can.  

 

“As part of our commitment to keeping the islands connected, we’re introducing a special rescue fare

 

"We are also here to support affected Eastern Airways team members in any way we can.  

 

"As part of the wider aviation community, we stand in solidarity with our colleagues, customers, and partners affected, and we extend our empathy and support."

 

In advice to passengers, the CAA said: “If you purchased travel insurance that includes cover for scheduled airline failure, known as SAFI, you should contact your insurer. 

 

“If you did not book directly with Eastern Airways and purchased your tickets through a third party, you should contact your booking or travel agent in the first instance.” 

 

Eastern’s route network included newly-introduced flights from Southend to Newquay as well as a service to Cornwall from Gatwick.

 

The airline’s summer schedule also included the return of services from Humberside and Teesside to Jersey. 

 

Eastern Airways aircraft and crew also operated additional UK feeder links to Amsterdam on behalf of KLM, using Embraer regional jets, based at Humberside, Teesside, Bristol and Leeds Bradford.

 

The airline also linked Aberdeen with Wick as a public service obligation (PSO) route.

 

Eastern’s fleet included a mix of 16 Jetstream 41 and ATR72-600 turboprops, as well as Embraer regional jet and Embraer E-jet aircraft with seating capacities ranging from 29 to 100 passengers.

 

Aviation intelligence and advisory company IBA Insight indicated that Eastern’s net profit turned narrowly positive in financial year 2023-24 at £0.06 million, compared to a £0.27m loss in 2022-23.

 

Eastern Airways was founded in 1997 operating scheduled services in its own name as well as operating on behalf of carriers such as Air France-KLM where it operated more than 220 weekly services on behalf of KLM Cityhopper this summer. 

 

The airline also ran charter, ACMI and specialist air-services for other operators in the UK and Europe including sports clubs and in the energy sector.

 

Travel Weekly has approached Eastern Airways for comment.