Well this sneaked up, but apparently, Spanair has suspended all flights after failed talks with Qatar Airways.
Qatar Airways was in talks to buy a stake in Spanair, but it seems those talks have collapsed according the the Catalan regional government (who owns 80.1% of the company) and SAS who own 19.9%.
A rescue effort was launched on the 25 January 2011, after the company was deemed to be in an “Emergency Financial Situation”. The Catalonian government approved a €10.5 million loan plan in order to save it.
The Ministry of Development also published a statement requiring Spanair to “fulfill its obligations with passengers” adding it was coordinating “alternative transport.”
The Catalan government said the “current economic climate” and “European legislation concerning competition” made it impossible for it to continue financing the small carrier whose hub is Barcelona airport.
The Spanair website has gone black – not a good sign at all.
The collapse of Spanair leaves 3,161 employees hunting for new posts sadly. Spanair itself was a member of Star Alliance.
If you’re due to travel with Spanair, I’d be finding new routes now and be rebooking as needed.
*BREAKING* – Spanair notice of intent is now out. English translation at http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?sl=es&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spanair.com%2Fes_pos%2Fes_ES%2Fportal%2FError%2FPage404
Spanair, in coordination with the Government, has reached an agreement, with Vueling, Iberia and Air Europa for those passengers who purchase a ticket and fly over the next three days have a special rate.
The price of tickets, depending on the destination will be:
- Domestic flights and Balearic Islands: 60 euros.
- Flights to the Canary Islands: 90 euros
- International flights: $ 100
A major loss for Star Alliance travelers.