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Ceased, Defunct and Suspended Airlines

Find out which airlines are defunct and no longer flying

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Ceased Airlines Directory

Want to find out which airlines have ceased operations? Take a look at our list below - this up-to-date list consists of all ceased/defunct airlines that are no longer operating.

Click on any of these airlines to find out more about the airline itself, why it ceased operations and alternative airlines that you can fly with!

Ceased Airlines 2020-2025

Ceased in 2025

  • SmartLynx Airlines - SmartLynx Airlines stopped flying in November 2025. The Latvian carrier specialised in wet-leasing aircraft to other airlines across Europe.
  • Calafia Airlines - Calafia Airlines stopped flying in January 2025 after 30 years connecting regional destinations across Mexico, particularly Baja California.
  • Skytrans Airlines - Skytrans became SmartLynx Australia in June 2025 following its acquisition. The airline continues flying to remote Queensland destinations under its new name.


Ceased in 2024

  • Air Malta - Air Malta finished flying on 30 March 2024, after 50 years serving Malta. The Maltese government launched KM Malta Airlines the next day, taking over the same aircraft and routes with a leaner operation.
  • FlyEgypt - FlyEgypt stopped flying in October 2024. The Egyptian airline operated Boeing 737-800 aircraft on scheduled and charter flights, connecting Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh to destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia.
  • Lanmei Airlines - Lanmei Airlines ended operations in August 2024. The Cambodian airline flew Airbus A320 aircraft connecting Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to destinations across Southeast Asia and China.
  • Zooom Air - Zooom Air stopped flying in June 2024. The Indian regional airline operated Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft from Delhi, connecting northern Indian cities including routes to Ayodhya after briefly relaunching earlier in the year.


Ceased in 2023

  • Aeromar - Aeromar stopped flying in February 2023 after 35 years connecting Mexican destinations. The regional airline operated ATR turboprops between Mexico City and beach resorts, serving routes to Cuba and Texas alongside domestic Mexican flights.
  • Airwing - Airwing ended operations in February 2023. The Norwegian regional airline operated from Oslo Airport with a fleet of Beechcraft Super King Air aircraft, flying scheduled services and air ambulance operations.
  • Arktika Airline - Arktika Airline, a Russian helicopter operator, stopped flying in 2023. Based in Murmansk, the airline served remote communities across north-western Russia's Kola Peninsula.
  • Flyr - Flyr stopped flying in January 2023 after 19 months of operations. The Norwegian airline launched in June 2021 with Boeing 737 aircraft connecting Oslo to domestic and European leisure destinations.
  • Go First - Go First stopped flying in May 2023. The Indian airline, previously known as GoAir, operated an all-Airbus A320 fleet serving over 30 domestic and international destinations across Asia.
  • JC International Airlines - JC International Airlines ended operations in 2023. The Cambodian carrier flew regional routes across Southeast Asia.
  • Lubeck Air - Lubeck Air, a German regional carrier, stopped flying in 2023.
  • Viva Colombia - Viva Colombia ended operations in 2023. The Colombian low-cost airline flew domestic routes and regional international services across Latin America.
  • Ultra Air - Ultra Air stopped flying in September 2023. The Colombian low-cost carrier operated for less than two years, flying domestic routes within Colombia.


Ceased in 2022

  • AB Aviation - AB Aviation was the largest airline in Comoros. The carrier operated Cessna Caravans and Embraer jets from Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport. AB Aviation stopped flying in February 2022 after a fatal accident.
  • Aha! - Aha! was a regional carrier flying from Reno to West Coast cities. The airline launched in October 2021 with Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft. Aha! stopped flying in August 2022 when parent company ExpressJet filed for bankruptcy.
  • Air Choice One - Air Choice One was a regional airline serving America's Midwest. Southern Airways Corporation bought the carrier in March 2022. The Air Choice One brand was discontinued in July 2022.
  • Air Gotland - Air Gotland was a Swedish virtual airline flying between Stockholm and Visby. Polish airline SprintAir operated Saab 340 flights on the carrier's behalf. Air Gotland suspended operations in January 2022.
  • Airbahn - Airbahn was a booking platform connecting passengers to charter flights. The service ceased operations in June 2022.
  • Bees Airline - Bees Airline was a regional carrier based in Kyrgyzstan. The airline operated domestic and regional routes within Central Asia. Bees Airline stopped flying in 2022.
  • Blue Air - Blue Air was Romania's largest airline by passenger numbers. The low-cost carrier flew Boeing 737s to over 75 destinations. Blue Air stopped flying on 6 September 2022.
  • Elite Airways - Elite Airways was a regional carrier flying along America's East Coast. The airline operated Bombardier CRJ regional jets to Florida and north-eastern airports. Elite Airways stopped flying in July 2022.
  • EGO Airways - EGO Airways was an Italian regional carrier operating ATR 72 turboprops. The airline flew domestic routes within Italy. EGO Airways ceased operations in 2022.
  • Eswatini Airlink - Eswatini Airlink was a joint venture between Airlink and Eswatini's government. The carrier connected Manzini to Johannesburg. Eswatini Airlink ended operations on 1 June 2022.
  • ExpressJet - ExpressJet was a major American regional airline operating Embraer ERJ-145 jets. The carrier flew for United Express, Delta Connection and American Eagle. ExpressJet filed for bankruptcy on 22 August 2022.
  • Genghis Khan Airlines - Genghis Khan Airlines was a Mongolian carrier operating domestic routes. The airline stopped flying in 2022.
  • Green Airlines - Green Airlines ceased operations in 2022. Limited information is publicly available about this carrier.
  • kulula - kulula was South Africa's first no-frills carrier founded in 2001. The airline flew Boeing 737s on domestic routes from Johannesburg. kulula was placed into liquidation on 9 June 2022.
  • Pan Pacific Airlines - Pan Pacific Airlines stopped flying in 2022. Limited information is available about this carrier.
  • Royal Flight Airlines - Royal Flight was a Russian charter airline flying holiday charters. The carrier stopped flying on 16 March 2022 after Russian sanctions. Turkish shareholders pulled aircraft out of Russia.
  • Tchadia Airlines - Tchadia Airlines was Chad's flag carrier launched in 2018. The airline flew two Bombardier Dash 8 Q400s to neighbouring African countries. Tchadia stopped flying in August 2022.
  • Trujet - Trujet was India's longest-serving regional airline operating ATR 72 turboprops. The carrier flew from Hyderabad to smaller towns across India. Trujet stopped flying on 15 February 2022.


Ceased in 2021

  • Air Namibia - Air Namibia was Namibia's flag carrier based in Windhoek. The airline flew Airbus A319s, A330s, Embraer ERJ-135s and Boeing 737s. Air Namibia stopped flying on 11 February 2021.
  • Air Sinai - Air Sinai was an Egyptian regional carrier. The airline operated domestic routes within Egypt. Air Sinai ceased operations in 2021.
  • Amaszonas Uruguay - Amaszonas Uruguay was a Uruguayan regional airline. The carrier operated domestic and regional South American routes. Amaszonas Uruguay stopped flying in 2021.
  • Blu Express - Blu Express was a Chilean low-cost carrier. The airline flew domestic routes within Chile. Blu Express ceased operations in 2021.
  • Blue Panorama Airlines - Blue Panorama Airlines was an Italian charter carrier. The airline operated Boeing 737 and 767 aircraft to holiday destinations. Blue Panorama Airlines stopped flying in 2021.
  • Fly My Sky - Fly My Sky was a New Zealand regional airline. The carrier operated domestic routes with small aircraft. Fly My Sky ceased operations in 2021.
  • Goldstar Air - Goldstar Air was a Ghanaian airline. The carrier planned to operate international routes from Accra. Goldstar Air stopped flying in 2021.
  • Itapemirim Transportes Aéreos (ITA) - ITA was a Brazilian airline that launched in June 2021. The carrier flew Airbus A320 aircraft on domestic Brazilian routes. ITA suspended operations on 17 December 2021.
  • Luke Air - Luke Air was a regional carrier. The airline operated domestic routes. Luke Air ceased operations in 2021.
  • Orange2Fly - Orange2Fly was a regional airline. The carrier operated scheduled passenger services. Orange2Fly stopped flying in 2021.
  • Simrik Airlines - Simrik Airlines was a Nepalese carrier. The airline operated domestic routes within Nepal. Simrik Airlines ceased operations in 2021.
  • Stobart Air - Stobart Air was an Irish regional airline operating ATR turboprops. The carrier flew for Aer Lingus Regional from bases in Dublin and Cork. Stobart Air stopped flying on 11 June 2021.
  • Transwest Air - Transwest Air was a Canadian regional carrier. The airline operated domestic routes within Canada. Transwest Air ceased operations in 2021.
  • Xpress Air - Xpress Air was an Indonesian regional airline. The carrier operated domestic routes within Indonesia. Xpress Air stopped flying in 2021.


Ceased in 2020

  • Air Antwerp - Air Antwerp was a Belgian regional airline. The carrier operated domestic and European routes. Air Antwerp ceased operations in 2020.
  • Air Georgian - Air Georgian was a Canadian regional carrier operating for Air Canada Express. The airline flew Beechcraft 1900 and Dash 8 aircraft. Air Georgian stopped flying in 2020.
  • Air Italy - Air Italy was an Italian carrier based in Milan and Sardinia. The airline flew Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A330 aircraft on domestic and international routes. Air Italy stopped flying on 11 February 2020.
  • AtlasGlobal - AtlasGlobal was a Turkish airline based in Istanbul. The carrier operated Boeing 757 and Airbus A321 aircraft. AtlasGlobal ceased operations in 2020.
  • Austral-Líneas-Aéreas - Austral Líneas Aéreas was an Argentine domestic carrier. The airline operated Boeing 737 and Embraer E190 aircraft. Austral Líneas Aéreas stopped flying in 2020.
  • Avianca Argentina - Avianca Argentina was part of the Avianca Group. The carrier flew domestic routes within Argentina. Avianca Argentina ceased operations in 2020.
  • BVI Airways - BVI Airways was a Caribbean regional airline. The carrier operated routes within the British Virgin Islands. BVI Airways stopped flying in 2020.
  • Cathay Dragon (Dragonair) - Cathay Dragon was a Hong Kong regional carrier owned by Cathay Pacific. The airline flew Airbus A320, A321 and A330 aircraft across Asia. Cathay Dragon ceased operations in October 2020.
  • Compass Airlines - Cathay Dragon was a Hong Kong regional carrier owned by Cathay Pacific. The airline flew Airbus A320, A321 and A330 aircraft across Asia. Cathay Dragon ceased operations in October 2020.
  • Connect Airways - Connect Airways was a UK airline consortium owning Flybe and Stobart Air. The consortium entered administration in March 2020. Connect Airways ceased operations in 2020.
  • Direktflyg - Direktflyg was a Swedish regional airline. The carrier operated domestic routes within Sweden. Direktflyg stopped flying in 2020.
  • Ellinair - Ellinair was a Greek charter airline. The carrier operated Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. Ellinair ceased operations in 2020.
  • Fly Ernest - Fly Ernest was an Italian low-cost carrier. The airline operated routes within Europe. Fly Ernest stopped flying in January 2020.
  • Flybe - Flybe was Europe's largest regional airline based in the UK. The carrier flew Bombardier Q400 turboprops and Embraer jets to 81 airports. Flybe stopped flying on 5 March 2020.
  • FlyBosnia - FlyBosnia was Bosnia and Herzegovina's flag carrier. The airline operated Airbus A319 aircraft. FlyBosnia ceased operations in 2020.
  • Island Express Air - Island Express Air was an American regional carrier. The airline operated helicopter and fixed-wing services. Island Express Air stopped flying in 2020.
  • Korea Express Air - Korea Express Air was a South Korean cargo airline. The carrier operated freight services. Korea Express Air ceased operations in 2020.
  • Miami Air International - Miami Air International was an American charter carrier. The airline flew Boeing 737 aircraft for military and commercial charters. Miami Air International stopped flying in 2020.
  • Montenegro Airlines - Montenegro Airlines was the flag carrier of Montenegro. The airline flew Embraer E195 and Fokker 100 aircraft. Montenegro Airlines ceased operations in December 2020.
  • NokScoot - NokScoot was a Thai-Singapore low-cost carrier. The airline flew Boeing 777 aircraft on regional Asian routes. NokScoot stopped flying in June 2020.
  • Regent Airways - Regent Airways was a Bangladeshi airline. The carrier operated Boeing 737 and Dash 8 aircraft. Regent Airways ceased operations in 2020.
  • Saudi Gulf Airlines - Saudi Gulf Airlines was a Saudi Arabian carrier. The airline operated regional routes. Saudi Gulf Airlines stopped flying in 2020.
  • SilkAir - SilkAir was a Singaporean regional airline owned by Singapore Airlines. The carrier flew Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft across Asia. SilkAir was merged into Singapore Airlines in 2020.
  • Sky Regional Airlines - Sky Regional Airlines was a Canadian carrier operating for Air Canada Express. The airline flew Embraer E175 regional jets. Sky Regional Airlines stopped flying in 2020.
  • South African Express - South African Express was a regional carrier based in Johannesburg. The airline flew Bombardier CRJ aircraft on domestic and regional routes. South African Express ceased operations in 2020.
  • TAME Airlines - TAME Airlines was Ecuador's flag carrier based in Quito. The airline flew Airbus A319 and Embraer E190 aircraft. TAME Airlines stopped flying in 2020.
  • Trans States Airlines - Trans States Airlines was an American regional carrier operating for United Express and American Eagle. The airline flew Embraer ERJ-145 regional jets. Trans States Airlines ceased operations in 2020.

If you're interested in seeing which airlines ceased before 2020, check out the continuation of our ceased airlines list at the bottom of the guide! 👇🏻

Two model planes with a yellow background

Why do airlines stop flying?

There are many reasons as to why airlines cease operations and stop flying. Some of these reasons include:

  • Financial difficulties or bankruptcy
  • Increased competition in the market
  • Rising operational costs (e.g., fuel prices)
  • No demand for their services
  • Loss of operational licence or safety issues
  • Mergers or acquisitions with other airlines
  • Ageing fleet and maintenance challenges

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which airlines are no longer operating?

Many airlines have ceased operations over the years - for a full list of ceased airlines, please take a look at the list above. We have ordered this by year that the airline has ceased operations.

Why do airlines cease operations?

Airlines stop flying for several reasons. A common reason and major cause is financial difficulty. Airlines operate on tight margins and competition in the industry can be fierce, so when events like economic downturns, rising fuel costs and unexpected maintenance expenses occur, it can tip the scales towards bankruptcy.

Another reason is due to mergers and acquisitions. Airlines sometimes merge with others to create a stronger presence within the market. This will however lead to the disappearance of one of the involved airlines.

A less common reason is safety issues. If an airline encounters a series of accidents resulting in the loss of public confidence in safety standards, it can force the airline to ground its fleet.

What happens if I have a ticket on an airline that has ceased operations?

This can be a frustrating situation and your options will depend on the specific airline as well as how recently they ceased operations. If you booked your flights through Alternative Airlines and the airline has now ceased operations, please contact us immediately - our friendly customer service team will be happy to help you solve this issue.

If you didn't book your flight through Alternative Airlines:

  • Check for refund information - the airline may have issued a statement outlining how passengers can claim refunds for unused tickets.
  • Contact your credit card company - if you paid for your ticket(s) using a credit card, you may be able to file a chargeback to get your money back.

All Ceased Airlines Pre-2020

Airlines come and go. Some are grounded by financial issues, others merge or fade out due to changing travel demands. Our continued list consists of airlines that stopped flying before 2020 - from forgotten names to once-famous carriers no longer in the skies.

While these airlines are no longer operating, our platform offers over 600 active airlines worldwide, including many newer or regional carriers you might not find elsewhere.

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