Eastern Airways Grounded: Liquidation Confirmed

Eastern Airways, which began serving England's East Midlands region in 1997, ceased all operations on October 27, 2026. The airline's collapse followed the last-minute cancellation of a crucial contract with KLM, which had planned to utilize four of Eastern Airways' planes.

Administrators were appointed on October 28, 2026, and the carrier has not flown since. This sudden shutdown resulted in the loss of 290 jobs across pilot, flight crew, and administrative roles.

Despite a subsequent bid to rescue a branch of the airline, the attempts fell through. Talks with potential bidders interested in reviving Eastern Airways were held by administrators from RSM. However, offers for the sister airline, Air Kilroe, were ultimately withdrawn due to tight timescales and substantial funding requirements.

Following the withdrawal of the preferred bidder, who had initially made a payment of over £286,000, the parent company proceeded to liquidation. The joint administrators have instructed agents to sell the airline's assets, marking a definitive end for Eastern Airways.