Regional carrier Eastern Airways has suspended all flights after filing a notice of intention to appoint administrators, raising concerns for hundreds of employees across its UK network.
The Humberside Airport–based airline grounded services following widespread cancellations, including routes linking Teesside, Aberdeen, Newquay, and London Gatwick. The UK Civil Aviation Authority confirmed all operations have ceased while the company explores restructuring or insolvency options.
Passengers with bookings have been advised not to travel to airports and to seek alternative transport. Train operators, including London North Eastern Railway, Scotrail, TransPennine Express, and Northern Railway, are providing free standard-class travel to affected customers and staff on specific routes this week. Loganair is also offering discounted fares for stranded passengers on flights between Aberdeen, Kirkwall, and Sumburgh until 30 October.
Founded in 1997, Eastern Airways operated regional services across the UK, Ireland, and parts of Europe, as well as public service routes supported by the Scottish Government for communities in northern Scotland. The airline has also played a role in helping North Sea oil and gas operations through its flights between hubs such as Aberdeen, Humberside and Teesside.
Eastern Airways’ financial challenges intensified after the pandemic, as declining passenger numbers and rising operating costs strained the regional aviation sector. The notice of intention gives the airline temporary protection from creditors while it seeks a potential buyer or financial restructuring.
