Darwin Airline, the Swiss regional airline with its head office in Bioggio, Lugano and flying under the brand name Adria Airways Switzerland has been declared bankrupt.
In November 2017, the Swiss authorities suspended the airline’s license for scheduled flights due to financial difficulties but allowed the wetlease operations to be continued. The airline has now ceased all remaining operations after its licence was voided.
The airline operated scheduled domestic and international services in some western European countries. It used the brand name Etihad Regional from January 2014 to July 2017, when Etihad Airways sold its 33% stake to the owner of Adria Airways. It previously also operated flights on behalf of Alitalia. Its bases were Geneva Airport and Lugano Airport.
Darwin Airline employed 250 people, who were informed of the bankruptcy on Tuesday. According to a trade union, the employees have not received a salary since October.
In August Kevin Goolaerts took a Darwin Airline flight between Zurich to Geneva, rating the airline 4,5/5 but with only 2 passengers on board.
Pictures © Kevin Goolaerts
