News Summary
Silver Airways has officially ceased all operations, leaving many passengers stranded following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. All flights to Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean are cancelled. Passengers are being advised to seek refunds for tickets and avoid airports. The airline’s closure, a significant loss for the Tallahassee market, follows attempts to restructure its finances and a failed bid to sell its assets. CEO Steven Rossum informed nearly 350 employees about the layoffs, highlighting the impact of the closure on the workforce.
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Silver Airways has officially ceased all operations as of June 11, 2025, following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in December 2024. The airline’s abrupt closure has resulted in the cancellation of all flights to Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, leaving many passengers stranded and confused.
Passengers are being advised not to go to airports and to seek refunds for any purchased tickets through credit card companies or their travel agencies. The airline’s decision to close comes after attempts to restructure its finances and a failed bid to sell its assets to another airline holding company, which ultimately opted not to continue flight operations.
Details Surrounding the Closure
Silver Airways, founded in 2011, served as a regional airline for over a decade. The airline was one of three companies that provided services at Tallahassee International Airport. In light of its recent termination of operations, Mayor John Dailey has expressed the city’s commitment to pursue partnerships with other airlines to restore service to Tallahassee.
The closure marks a significant loss for the Tallahassee market, as Silver Airways is the second airline to exit the area in less than a year, following JetBlue’s cessation of service in October 2024. Leading up to its final shutdown, Silver Airways had already been diminishing its service offerings, evidenced by regular flight cancellations.
Impact on Employees
Following the announcement of the closure, CEO Steven Rossum issued a notice to around 350 employees regarding the situation. While the majority of staff will be laid off, a small group will be retained temporarily to assist with the wind-down process. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA has highlighted that nearly one hundred flight attendants are now unemployed due to this closure.
Operational Challenges and Previous Plans
Silver Airways had previously outlined plans to expand its service, which included a new route from Tallahassee to Tampa that was set to commence in October 2024. However, the airline’s operational struggles were compounded by various issues, such as past equipment malfunctions, contractual disputes with aircraft manufacturer ATR, and significant negative impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Historically, Silver operated a hub in Fort Lauderdale and had a network that included routes to Tampa, Tallahassee, Key West, and Pensacola. The airline had hopes of expanding its fleet and services, but recurring financial difficulties and operational challenges ultimately led to its downfall.
Looking Forward
Despite the setback with Silver Airways, city officials and local airport authorities remain positive about the potential for other airlines to fill the void left by the recent closures. As conversations are initiated with various carriers, the community hopes to restore essential air travel options for residents and visitors alike.
The sudden cessation of Silver Airways serves as a reminder of the volatility within the airline industry, particularly for regional carriers facing a myriad of challenges. As the fallout from their closure continues to evolve, the focus will shift towards rebuilding and maintaining connectivity for the affected regions.
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