Not a good sign , Collapse of Stobart Air forces Aer Lingus to cancel it's Regional flights , staffs see dark clouds.

Unilateral termination of contract by Stobart Air forced Aer Lingus to cancel all of it's Regional flights out of Belfast City Airport.

Stobart Air is in the process of appointing a liquidator after it failed to raise funds to survive , which in turn terminated its Aer Lingus franchise agreement.

The devlopement was result of the collapse of a potential deal between Isle of Man based Ettyl Limited to buy Stobart Air from its owner Esken.

Last night, Stobart Air informed it's staff that promoter Esken will no longer support the airline financially In the absence of any alternative purchasers, or any alternative sources of funding for the Stobart Air UC business within the timescales required.  

Aer Lingus has confirmed that all its regional flights operated by Stobart Air are cancelled, and advised customers booked to travel on the flights not to come to airport.

In a statement, the airline said:

 “Late on the evening of 11th June, Stobart Air notified Aer Lingus that it was terminating its franchise agreement with Aer Lingus with immediate effect. As a result, all Aer Lingus Regional flights operated by Stobart Air are cancelled.

Stobart Air , that was in a dormant state since March 2020 , has ceased the trading and is now in the process of appointing a liquidator.

"Aer Lingus apologises to customers for the inconvenience caused by the cancellation at such short notice of all flights operated by Stobart Air. Aer Lingus is now communicating to customers to advise them of their options for refund or re-booking."

Stobart Air’s five aircraft fleet franchise contract with Aer Lingus was due to run until the end of 2022, while Emerald Airlines was planned to take over the contract in 2023.

Whether Emerald Airlines will be in a position to take over the service in the short-term is still a question !

A spokesperson for Belfast City Airport said: 

“We were informed by Aer Lingus this morning (June 12), that Stobart Air who operated the Aer Lingus Regional franchise has ceased operations.

 As a result Aer Lingus flights to and from Leeds Bradford, Edinburgh, Exeter, Manchester, East Midlands and Birmingham have been cancelled.

 Its being advised that, Passengers booked on these flights should not travel to the airport but should instead contact Aer Lingus.