Abrupt Decision Left Regional Travellers Stranded at the Airport

Around three months after filing for bankruptcy, Florida-based regional carrier Silver Airways canceled all routes involving Orlando International Airport (MCO). The decision, made with seemingly no notice, left several travelers stranded.

"MCO received notification yesterday afternoon that, effective immediately, all departing and arriving flights with Silver Airlines are canceled,” stated GOAA spokeswoman Angela Starke.

The airline had been facing financial hardships since early 2023 when it was nearly evicted from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) over unpaid fees. The Broward County Commission tracked payment issues back to 2021, totaling almost one million dollars.

Silver Airways claimed that filing for bankruptcy protection would allow it to “secure additional resources and restructure for long-term success, ensuring we continue to deliver safe, reliable, and comfortable travel experiences” as well as “strengthen its competitive position within the aviation industry while ensuring continued service to customers.”

The company originally hoped to finalize the filing process by the end of March 2025 while keeping business as usual. It kept its ticketing services open for passengers to take pre-booked flights and reserve new ones.

It appears that ‘business as usual’ didn’t work too well for Silver, with the airline abruptly canceling all arrivals and departures at Orlando International Airport in the first few days of March. Travellers with valid tickets and packed bags showed up for their flights and were left stunned with the sudden news. Silver Airways has yet to speak out on the issue.

The carrier once held a strong reputation with the airport as its 27th largest airline by passenger count in 2024. Its routes took passengers between Orlando and several popular destinations, including Pensacola, Key West, the Bahamas, and Ft. Lauderdale.

The airline provides commercial and cargo services utilizing a fleet of ATR-600 series turboprop aircraft and De Havilland DHC-6-300 seaplanes.

FMI: www.silverairways.com