Stobart Air has announced it is ceasing trading, resulting in the cancellation of the regional flights it operates on behalf of Aer Lingus.
All Aer Lingus regional flights operated by Stobart have been cancelled.
Stobart Air said it was with "great regret and sadness" that it will be appointing a liquidator and ceasing operations with immediate effect.
The airline said in a statement: “This unavoidable and difficult decision means that all Aer Lingus Regional routes, currently operated by Stobart Air under its franchise agreement with Aer Lingus, have been cancelled.
“Last April, Stobart Air announced that a new owner had been identified. However, it has emerged that the funding to support this transaction is no longer in place and the new owner is now unable to conclude the transaction.
“Given the continued impact of the pandemic which has virtually halted air travel since March 2020 and in the absence of any alternative purchasers or sources of funding, the Board of Stobart Air must take the necessary, unavoidable and difficult decision to seek to appoint a liquidator.
“A franchise flying partner to leading domestic and international airlines, Stobart Air has acknowledged the significant contribution, loyalty, dedication of its 480-stong team of skilled and talented aviation professionals.”
Aer Lingus jets parked up on the runway of Dublin Airport in April 2020. Picture by: Niall Carson/PA Archive/PA ImagesAll Stobart Air flights on the following routes are cancelled:
Dublin / Kerry; Dublin / Donegal; Dublin / Glasgow; Dublin / Edinburgh; Dublin / Manchester; Dublin / Newquay; Belfast City / Manchester; Belfast City / Birmingham; Belfast City / Edinburgh; Belfast City / Leeds Bradford, Belfast City / Exeter; Belfast City / East Midlands.
The airline apologised for any inconvenience caused and said all of its 480 staff have been informed.
In a statement, Aer Lingus said it was notified by Stobart Air late last night that it was terminating its Franchise Agreement.
Aer Lingus also apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused by the cancellations and is now in contact with passengers to advise them of their options for refunds or rebooking.
Customers who were booked to travel on flights operated by Stobart Air are advised not to come to the airport and to check the Aer Lingus website for updated information on refund or rebooking options.
Main image: An Aer Lingus regional aircraft at Dublin Airport. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
