Bust Spanair leaves thousands stranded

Tens of thousands of passengers were left stranded at airports around the world at the weekend after Spanish airline Spanair went bust.

The airline decided to cancel all future flights with just a half-an-hours’ notice.

In a statement, the airline said it had decided to cease all operations as “a measure of safety and caution” blaming a poor financial outlook for the sudden decision.

“The Spanair management regrets this and apologises to all those people who are affected by this situation,” said the statement.

The Spanish public works ministry said there were some 647 Spanair flights cancelled since Saturday, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded in countries such as Gambia, Mali and Morocco.

The Spanish public works ministry is expected to take disciplinary action against the airline for breaking rules on continuity of service and passenger rights because of the sudden nature of its closure. As a result, the airline could be facing fines of up to €9 million.

“The ministry will not cease until those who failed to fulfil the norms and trampled on the rights of citizens takes full responsibility,” said public works minister Ana Pastor.

Founded in 1986, the troubled airline reportedly has about €350m of debt.

Spanair creditors include SAS AB with €149m.

The company also owes €80m to suppliers and at least €70m to compensate workers in addition to reimbursing affected passengers

The airline is reportedly in talks with the International Air Transport Association to seek a solution to give passengers their money back.