22.07.2026 11:30
Another liquidation claim has emerged in the European aviation sector. Switzerland-based ch-aviation alleges that Air Nostrum has decided to liquidate its subsidiary Hibernian Airlines and its parent company SARA holding. While no official statement has been released by the company yet, rising costs and increasing fuel prices are noted to be accelerating the contraction in the industry.
Another bankruptcy and closure news has been added to the series in the European aviation sector. Swiss-based aviation publication ch-aviation claimed that Spanish regional airline Air Nostrum has decided to liquidate its holding, Strategic Alliance of Regional Airlines (SARA), which includes Hibernian Airlines.
Air Nostrum has not yet made an official statement regarding the claims.
IT HAD SUSPENDED FLIGHTS LAST YEAR
Hibernian Airlines, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, was established in 2017 to provide charter flights and aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) services.
The company suspended its flights at the end of 2024 after Air Nostrum decided to consolidate its operations under the SARA umbrella, and the aircraft in its fleet were transferred to another company within the group. The liquidation claims were interpreted as eliminating the possibility of Hibernian Airlines resuming operations.
AIR NOSTRUM CONTINUES TO GROW
Despite the liquidation claims, it was stated that Air Nostrum continues to expand its domestic operations in Spain, particularly in the Balearic and Canary Islands. The company has not yet confirmed the news regarding the future of Hibernian Airlines.
COSTS PRESSURE THE AVIATION SECTOR
Rising operational costs in 2026 and increasing jet fuel prices following the Iran war have created significant pressure on small and medium-sized airline companies.
Experts believe that high financing costs and weakening demand are accelerating mergers, downsizing, and liquidation processes in the sector.
Companies that have suspended operations or closed this year include Spirit Airlines, Magnicharters, European Cargo, Air Mountain, Jetflite, AlpAvia, and H-Bird.