Business Up Today

One of the major European discount airlines SkyEurope files for bankruptcy, leaving passengers to fend for themselves on Europe routes. So, SkyEurope shuts down, who is next?

Some airlines, including Ryanair and Czech Airlines, stepped in to offer stranded passengers special rates on fares to various destinations in Europe, but those who booked flights with SkyEurope are on their own to make alternate arrangements.

The airline advised passengers who paid for flights with a credit card to seek refunds through the card-issuing banks, Czech News Agency reported. SkyEurope began operations in February 2002 and flew between many Central European cities. SkyEurope ended its activities on Monday because it could not repay its debts. The company can appeal against the decision within 15 days. The ministry already said earlier it would take away the licence from SkyEurope as the company was unable to financially secure safe air transport of clients. Thousands of SkyEurope’s clients were left stranded at airports after the company ended operation, and plane tickets of further tens of thousands of them became invalid.

“We have made a decision that has cancelled their temporary licence. This decision takes effect as of today,” Jurikovic said.

If the company does not file an appeal within the set period, the decision will come into force. SkyEurope lost its licence because it repeatedly failed to meet its obligations to clients, airports and air navigation services providers, Jurikovic said.