Eight airlines have collapsed into administration, leaving thousands of holidaymakers with cancelled flights and disrupted travel plans. While major carriers such as British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, Virgin Atlantic, and Wizz Air remain financially stable, several smaller airlines have succumbed to economic pressures.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines has shut down after failing to secure a $500 million bailout from the Trump administration. The budget airline was in talks with the US government for a rescue deal, but after discussions collapsed, the airline announced an immediate wind-down of operations. All upcoming flights have been cancelled.
Ascend Airways
Ascend Airways, which operated flights in the UK, has entered liquidation. The airline provided aircraft for other carriers, including Oman Air, Air Sierra Leone, and Tui Airways. An insider cited economic challenges and high costs in the UK compared to Europe, as well as the fuel situation, as contributing factors.
Blue Islands
Blue Islands, based in the Channel Islands with regular links to English airports, has grounded all aircraft after ceasing trading. The airline announced it had stopped operations after more than two decades, cancelling all current bookings.
Eastern Airways
Eastern Airways went into administration on October 28. The airline operated across the UK, Ireland, and Europe, including services supported by the Scottish government. After a contract with Dutch airline KLM ended, the carrier's cost base became unsustainable, according to administrators.
Play Airlines
Play Airlines announced it was folding in September. Founded in 2019 by former Wow Air executives, the airline began flying in June 2021. Its business model was similar to Wow Air and Icelandair, but it ultimately failed.
Ecojet
Ecojet entered administration in February. The UK-based EV-powered airline, launched in 2023, promised to be the world's first electric carrier. Founded by entrepreneur Dale Vince, a prominent Labour donor, the airline aimed to pioneer net-zero travel but could not sustain operations.
Royal Air Philippines
Royal Air Philippines cancelled all commercial flights, affecting between 3,000 and 4,000 passengers with bookings from January through March. Passengers are seeking refunds and alternative travel options.
Dove Airlines
Dove Airlines shut down operations after entering voluntary liquidation in January. Founded in 2007 and based in Kolkata, India, the airline provided business and private charter services, operating a fleet that included a Cessna Citation Jet 2.
