Primera Air, a European low-cost carrier, has ceased operations effective today, October 2. The carrier offered flights throughout Europe, as well as, newly inaugurated flights to multiple east coast U.S. airports.
Flying across the Atlantic, Primera Air used brand-new Airbus A321neo’s because of their ability to fly longer distances and touted the aircraft’s features, “We embrace tomorrow – the addition of the Airbus A321neo to our fleet marks a new dawn in transatlantic flights. The latest technology, improved efficiency and comfort means a better journey for you.”
In addition, fares on selected transatlantic routes started at just $99.00 one-way. Of course, that fare was just for your seat as additional items such as checked baggage, seat assignments, and on board food options were extra. Primera Air’s website stated, “We connect worlds in a new way – brand new narrow body aircraft & onboard services, low fares with flexible options and smooth flying experience. Flying with us is flying fresh.”
A little over a month ago, Primera launched flights between Washington, DC’s Dulles International and London’s Stansted Airport with much fanfare. On the same day, the airline announced new transatlantic routes from Belgium. Direct flights from Brussels to New York City, Boston, and Washington, DC were expected to start Spring 2019.
On the outside, it looked as if Primera Air was on to a great start in an already saturated transatlantic market. With new aircraft with new features and amenities, and new routes to bring in additional revenue, it seemed Primera Air might have been able to disrupt the market.
Today, officials from London’s Stansted airport tells Primera Air passengers not to go to the airport and adds it plans to seize an aircraft because of unpaid bills.
Earlier this year, the airline cancelled selected routes abruptly saying that aircraft deliveries were delayed by Airbus. Sometimes, these cancellations, including going out of business unexpectedly, is leaving passengers stranded in various destinations. Passengers experiencing disruptions like this are encouraged to reach out to other low-cost carriers such as Icelandair, Norwegian, and Wow, etc, to purchase return tickets to their original destinations.
Editor’s Note: Various air carriers, including Norwegian and Virgin Atlantic, are offering their support in getting stranded travelers back to their original destinations.
We are offering repatriation fares to those affected by Primera. Passengers can book reduced fares for travel up to 14th October.
Primera customers can call the dedicated Norwegian hotline on +47 210 16771 pic.twitter.com/73dAHzgfYV— Norwegian (@Fly_Norwegian) October 2, 2018
Are you stranded in London, New York, Washington DC, Boston, or Toronto with a Primera Air ticket? Virgin Atlantic can help. pic.twitter.com/Ia9GcJfBKs
— Virgin Atlantic (@VirginAtlantic) October 2, 2018
