Eastern Airways ceases operations after 28 years

Eastern Airways has suspended all flights and filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator, signalling the likely end of operations for the 28-year-old regional carrier. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) advised passengers not to travel to the airport, confirming that all flights are cancelled and the airline’s aircraft have been returned to leasing companies.

The Humberside-based airline’s move provides temporary protection from creditors for ten business days while seeking alternatives to liquidation, though services are not expected to resume.

Eastern Airways operated just four scheduled routes — mainly from Aberdeen to Teesside, Humberside, and Wick (the latter under a Scottish government PSO), plus a London Gatwick–Newquay link supported by Cornwall Council. Authorities are now urgently seeking replacement carriers for the affected PSO routes.

Train operators LNER, ScotRail, TransPennine Express, and Northern are offering free standard-class travel to stranded passengers and staff on presentation of proof of booking or ID.

Founded in 1997, Eastern Airways initially served the North Sea oil industry but later expanded to routes across the UK and Europe. Analysts point to the collapse of its KLM contract earlier this month, after the airline invested heavily in aircraft and crew, as a key factor in its downfall.

The closure marks another blow to the UK’s regional aviation sector, following the demise of BMI Regional and Flybe.