Eastern Airways’ headquarters is at the airport with the airline’s flights currently not operating
Bosses at Humberside Airport have confirmed the hub will continue to operate despite the difficulties faced by Eastern Airways. The carrier grounded all flights across the country on Tuesday amid business difficulties.
Customers of the airline, which operated flights to and from a number of other UK airports, are being urged not to go to the airport as flights will not be operating, the UK Civil Aviation Authority said. High court filings show that lawyers have filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators – a precursor to formal insolvency proceedings.
Eastern Airways launched in the mid-1990s, linking its base at Humberside Airport with Aberdeen and catering for oil and gas firms who were shutting teams and executives between the two key industry locations. Until 2019 the airline was owned by Humberside Airport owner Bristow, before it was sold to Orient Industrial Holdings Ltd in an undisclosed deal.
Accounts for Orient – a group which also includes the subsidiaries making up Eastern Airways, among other companies – show operating losses of £3.3m in the year to the end of March last year. That came on turnover of more than £65m. Separate accounts for Eastern Airways (UK) Limited – one of several companies in the group – show turnover of £38m and operating profit of more than £368,000.
Aside from Eastern’s daily flights to Aberdeen, Humberside Airport hosts daily KLM flights to Amsterdam, as well as seasonal holiday flights to Majorca and Lapland from tour operators including First Choice, Tui, Transun and Newmarket.
Following the suspension of Eastern’s flights, a number of rail operators including London and North Eastern Railway, ScotRail, Transpennine Express and Northern have offered free standard class travel to Eastern Airways staff and customers on October 28 and 29, on suitable routes operated by each train company, the UK Civil Aviation Authority said.
Selina Chadha, consumer and markets director at the Authority, said: “We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled. Eastern Airways customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website for the latest information.”
Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association – an industry membership organisation – said he anticipated a “major effect” on business and leisure travel in the UK, especially on routes between the North East and Aberdeen, and Gatwick and Newquay.
He said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the Eastern Airways employees and all those affected by this sudden suspension of operations. Their contribution to keeping the UK connected across regional and specialist routes has been hugely valued by the business travel community.
“This suspension of operations underscores the urgent need for regional investment for travel infrastructure. With already limited domestic air connectivity, the loss of Eastern Airways further isolates key parts of the UK and limits choice for travellers.
“Strengthening our rail network has never been more important, alongside Public Service Obligations routes such as those linking London and Newquay. These connections are essential to maintaining mobility, productivity, and opportunity across the country.”