Romanian airline Dan Air files for insolvency amid €10 million environmental debt

Romanian carrier seeks protection from creditors as total liabilities reach €25.4 million; flight operations face uncertainty

Romanian airline Dan Air has filed for insolvency proceedings at the Ilfov Tribunal, citing mounting financial pressure and an approximately €10 million debt owed to Romania’s Environmental Fund Administration (AFM).

The application was submitted on 22 October 2026, making Dan Air the second Romanian airline to seek insolvency protection in recent weeks, following similar developments involving AnimaWings.

According to Romanian media reports, Dan Air’s total liabilities reached RON 126.3 million (€25.4 million) at the end of 2025, up from approximately RON 90.2 million (€18.1 million) a year earlier.

€10 million carbon emissions debt

Dan Air chief executive Matt Ian David said the insolvency application was intended to protect the airline from enforcement proceedings over a debt of approximately €10 million owed to the AFM.

The obligation relates to carbon emissions allowances required under environmental regulations applicable to airlines.

David said the company had discussed the situation with its aircraft lessors and other business partners, adding that agreements had been reached to support continued operations.

He attributed the airline’s financial difficulties in part to soaring fuel costs, explaining that the company had prioritised purchasing fuel to operate scheduled flights rather than settling the outstanding environmental obligations.

Flight operations disrupted

Despite initially stating that the insolvency filing would not affect its flight schedule, Dan Air subsequently suspended its flights, according to Romanian media reports.

The airline indicated that it intended to resume operations from 25 October under a revised schedule. The resumption and the status of individual flights remain subject to confirmation by the carrier.

Passengers booked on Dan Air services should check directly with the airline for the latest information regarding cancellations, rescheduled departures and possible refunds.

Insolvency does not automatically mean bankruptcy

The filing of an insolvency application does not, by itself, mean that a company has entered liquidation or that it must immediately cease trading. The court must first decide whether to open proceedings.

Dan Air’s application seeks protection from creditors and the opportunity to address its financial obligations. The outcome will depend on the court’s decision and the company’s ability to maintain operations while dealing with its liabilities.

Founded in 2017, Dan Air operates scheduled services from Romania, including routes associated with Bucharest and Bac?u airports. The airline previously operated scheduled flights from Bra?ov-Ghimbav International Airport before moving its main operating base to Bac?u.

Another challenge for Romanian aviation

Dan Air’s financial difficulties follow the recent insolvency proceedings involving AnimaWings, highlighting mounting pressure on parts of Romania’s aviation sector.

The two cases remain legally distinct, and insolvency proceedings do not necessarily lead to the same outcome. However, Dan Air’s ability to secure support from its lessors, restore its flight schedule and reach an agreement with creditors will be crucial to its future.

Sources: Profit.ro, Ziarul Financiar and Romanian media reports published on 22–23 October 2026.