Eastern Airways, the Humberside-based regional airline, has stopped flying. Until Monday, 27 October, Eastern Airways linked Aberdeen with Wick, Teesside and Humberside, and connected London Gatwick with Newquay.
But the chances of its survival look slim, with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) warning: “Do not go to the airport as flights will not be operating.” These are the key questions and answers for passengers.
I have a ticket for an Eastern Airways flight. Will it take off?
Almost certainly not. The carrier filed a “notice of intention to appoint an administrator” on 27 October. This legal document gives the carrier protection from creditors for 10 business days while it seeks an alternative to liquidation. While this legal step keeps open the possibility of avoiding liquidation, the omens do not look good for continuing the business:
- Ticket sales have ceased, with prospective purchasers told: “Unfortunately, there is no availability on the route selected”
- Aircraft have been returned to leasing companies
- All flights have been cancelled
I have tried to contact Eastern Airways for comment.
If you have flown one leg and are waiting to return – for example, flying Gatwick to Newquay with the expectation of flying back – you need to find an alternative.
For passengers and staff on routes to and from Aberdeen on Tuesday and Wednesday, 28-29 October, train operators will provide free travel on production of a boarding pass, flight confirmation or Eastern Airways employee ID. The CAA said: “LNER, ScotRail, TransPennine Express and Northern Railway will offer free standard class travel.”
These rail firms will allow people to travel between Aberdeen and Wick, Teesside and Humberside.
Ryanair flies from the Cornish airport to London Stansted; while fares are currently high (eg £137 on Friday 31 October), the Irish airline may come up with a “rescue fare” at a fixed price for people who can show they have Eastern Airways bookings.
What about any extra costs for my journey?
If you happen to have travel insurance that includes cover for scheduled airline failure (known as Safi), contact your insurer – they may meet the bill. But usually such cover only applies for international journeys.
How do I get my money back for a forward booking?
If you booked directly with Eastern Airways with a credit or debit card, contact the card issuer (usually simply by dialling the number on the back of the card).
For tickets costing £100 or more, bought by credit card, you should be able to reclaim the cash under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. This law makes the card issuer jointly liable with the airline for providing the agreed service or refunding payment.
If you paid by debit or charge card, or paid less than £100 with a credit card, you are likely to get your money back under the “chargeback” policy – a voluntary version of the same principle.
Passengers who booked through a travel agent should contact them to secure a refund. Bought with PayPal? Contact that company.
A previous Eastern Airways flight was delayed or cancelled. Will I get the compensation I am due?
No one. You are likely to become an unsecured creditor. This is bad news for many passengers who have experienced cancellations or long delays on Eastern Airways flights in recent months.
Does the fate of Eastern Airways bode ill for other carriers?
No. While the current economic environment is not great for airlines, other UK carriers are in good shape.
Read more: Eastern Airways stops flying and returns planes to leasing companies
