Eastern Airways Seeks Administration Protection as Flights Halt
Eastern Airways (T3, Humberside), legally registered as Air Kilroe Limited, has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators for its trading entities—Eastern Airways (UK) and Air Kilroe—after grounding all scheduled flights. The move, reported by TheBusinessDesk, grants the struggling regional carrier temporary protection from creditors for ten business days while it explores restructuring options to avoid liquidation.
The airline suspended operations on October 27, 2025, affecting key domestic routes including Aberdeen–Humberside, Aberdeen–Wick, Aberdeen–Teesside, and London Gatwick–Newquay. The decision comes amid severe financial pressure and rising operational losses.
Company filings revealed that the two entities employed approximately 250 staff and generated a combined turnover of GBP 60 million (USD 80 million) in 2024, but posted a net loss of GBP 19.7 million (USD 26 million) and total debt of GBP 26 million (USD 35 million). The previous year had shown modest profitability, with a combined net income of around GBP 200,000.
Eastern Airways’ current fleet includes three ATR72-600s, four Embraer E190s, one E170, and nine BAe Jetstream 41s. Most aircraft have now been ferried or parked, with several E190s stored at Norwich and Saarbrücken and ATR72s relocated to Dinard/St. Malo in France.
The airline’s E190s were previously wet-leased to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, though the Dutch flag carrier plans to reduce wet-leases by 2026. The suspension of the Newquay–Gatwick Public Service Obligation (PSO) route has also prompted Cornwall Council to seek a replacement operator.
Eastern Airways’ network previously connected seven UK airports, including London Gatwick, Aberdeen, Humberside, Teesside, Newquay, Wick, and London Southend. The airline has yet to release an official statement on its future plans.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com