Jet Airways announces temporary suspension of flight operations

April 18, 2019: Yesterday Jet Airways announced its decision to cancel all its international and domestic flights, after State Bank of India (SBI), on behalf of the consortium of Indian lenders, was unable to consider its re-quest for critical interim funding.

The airline has been taking efforts for several weeks and months to seek interim and long-term funding.

The airline is unable to pay for fuel or other critical services since no emergency funding from the lenders or any other source is forthcoming.

The Indian carrier has announced it will operate its last flight today.

This decision has been taken after a painstaking evaluation of all alternatives that were made available to the company and after receiving guidance and advice on the same from its Board of Directors. Jet Airways has informed the DGCA, and the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Finance and other relevant government institutions, of this course of action.

This has been a very difficult decision but without interim funding, the airline is simply unable to conduct flight operations in a manner that delivers to the very reasonable expectations of its guests, employees, partners and service providers.

After 25 years of sharing the Joy of Flying with Indian and international guests, Jet Airways has been forced to take this extreme measure as prolonged and sustained efforts with lenders and authorities did not yield the desired results.

Essential services needed to support guest services and the re-commencement of the flight operations will be kept onboard until further notice.

Jet Airways will now await the bid finalisation process by SBI and the consortium of Indian Lenders.

In its response to the airline, the lenders have said, “The Expressions of Interest (EOI) have been received and bid documents have been issued to the eligible recipients today. The bid documents inter alia has solicited plans for a quick revival of the company. The bid process will conclude on May 10, 2019. We are actively working to try and ensure that the bid process leads to a viable solution for the company.”

Jet Airways will continue to support the bid process initiated by the lenders.

The airline will inform all guests about the temporary suspension of flight operations via text message or email to the contact details listed in their bookings.

The airline said through a statement: “Jet Airways sincerely and profusely apologises for the disruption to the travel plans of all its guests. The airline would like to thank them for their continued patronage, support and loyalty over the years.

“Above all, the airline would like to express its sincere gratitude to all its employees and stakeholders that have stood by the Company in these trying times. We hope to bring the flying sun back into the skies.”