Swissair ceases flight operations with immediate effect

Swissair has been forced to cease all flight operations today with immediate effect. Despite intensive efforts throughout the day, the company has been unable to obtain the liquidity needed to secure daily business and safe operations. It is uncertain at this time when flight operations will resume.

All Swissair flights had to be suspended from 12:30 CET (10:30 UTC) today. The decision that no further aircraft would be allowed to depart from Switzerland was taken at 15:45 CET (13:45 UTC). The aircraft currently abroad will be flown back to Switzerland as soon as possible.

Swissair regrets this measure, which has a drastic impact, especially for its passengers and staff. The action is being taken in what has traditionally been the strongest month of the year in revenue terms, and affects not only thousands of passengers but also thousands of jobs in and outside Switzerland. Far more jobs are now at risk than the 2650 announced yesterday.

Today’s cessation of services affected some 19 000 passengers on 262 flights. Around 80 services were operated.

Some 3000 to 4000 passengers were stranded at Zurich Airport. They were provided with assistance and food by Unique, the airport’s operator, which also arranged hotel accommodation where required. Since it is currently in “Nachlassstundung” (administration and protection from creditors under Swiss law), Swissair cannot make any financial contribution to the provision of these facilities.

Swissair tickets are only valid for Swissair flights, and are no longer accepted by other airlines. Swissair is currently advising its customers to make their travel arrangements with other air carriers or via a tour operator.