Slovakia-based budget carrier Sky Europe has filed for bankruptcy and suspended all operations. The airline offered flights from London Luton to destinations including Bratislava, Vienna and Prague.
A statement on the carrier’s website says:
“Please be advised that SkyEurope has suspended its sales and operations immediately.
Those of you who have purchased flights with a credit card, please turn to your credit card issuing bank to seek refunds for unused portions of SkyEurope's flights.
In case you have paid directly to SkyEurope in other means than credit card (e.g. bank transfer, cash), please be advised that a refund may not be possible.
If you have ordered your flight tickets via a travel agency or organizer, you should discuss the matter with them first.
If you are already at the destination or have rented a car through SkyEurope's business partner, you may stay at the hotel and use the vehicle during the period originally agreed. You must, however, order a return flight from some other airline at your own expense.
You may also wish to contact your insurance provider to seek further guidance and support.
We regret for the inconvenience that have been caused to you.”
Sky Europe had bases in both Slovakia and the Czech Republic, and offered flights from London Luton to Bratislava, Kosice and Poprad in Slovakia, as well as Vienna and Prague.
According to a Reuters report the carrier had obtained a three-month creditor protection in Slovakia in June, but has been unable to restructure and pay its outstanding debts in the light of falling passengers numbers during the economic downturn.
Ryanair says it will offer a “rescue fare” to passengers who were booked to fly to Bratsilava with Sky Europe. The £25 one-way fare (including taxes and charges) can be booked until September 15, for travel until December 17.
Ryanair flies to Bratislava from Liverpool and London Stansted, as well as from European destinations including Barcelona (Girona) and Brussels (Charleroi). The special fare can only be obtained via the URL ryanair.com/member/SkyEuroperescuefare.html.
Easyjet has also announced a rescue fee of £40 (including taxes and charges) for stranded passengers needing to find a flight home on its London-Prague, London-Vienna and Milan-Prague routes.
The offer is valid for flights to be taken before the end of Tuesday September 8, and UK passengers should call +44 (0)870 6 000 000 to speak to Easyjet’s customer services.
For Sky Europe passengers stranded in Vienna, Austrian Airlines is offering one-way flights for €150 (including taxes) to 12 destinations. The offer is available until September 6 for travel until September 13. For more information call +43 51766 1000.
For more information visit skyeurope.com, ryanair.com, easyjet.com, aua.com.
Report by Mark Caswell
