Eastern Airways has entered administration, marking the latest setback for the UK’s regional aviation sector. The North Lincolnshire-based carrier, which employed around 330 people, ceased most operations last week following widespread redundancies.
The airline had been operating a mix of domestic and European routes, including government-supported services in northern Scotland. Its financial strain intensified after losing a key contract with KLM Cityhopper, leaving the business with high fixed costs and no replacement revenue.
Administrators from RSM UK have been appointed to manage the process. They are maintaining a small team to oversee the airline’s fleet while exploring options for potential buyers or asset sales.
Founded in 1997, Eastern Airways was one of the UK’s last independent regional carriers, flying from hubs including Humberside, East Midlands, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton, and Jersey. It also maintained operations in Denmark and had long served the North Sea oil and gas industry, providing transport links between Aberdeen, Teesside, Humberside and Wick.
The company’s collapse follows years of financial pressure in the regional air market, compounded by the pandemic’s impact on passenger volumes and rising operational costs across the sector.
