A wave of recent shutdowns has struck regional airlines worldwide, with smaller carriers grappling with rising operational costs and intensified competition from larger airlines. In October 2025, British regional carrier Eastern Airways canceled all flights to Scotland and Northern England as it sought legal protection against liquidation. Just one month later, Blue Islands, based in the British Channel Islands, followed suit with a sudden closure, leaving thousands of travelers stranded.
The Jersey Government had previously subsidized Blue Islands, but after years of accumulating debts and struggling to turn a profit, officials indicated that they could no longer provide support. This unexpected decision has highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by regional airlines, particularly those with limited financial backing.
In a separate incident, Sunflower Aviation, a charter airline based in Fiji, was ordered to cease all operations following a critical audit by the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF). The authority determined that Sunflower’s safety practices, including allowing pilots in remote areas to conduct their own safety checks, violated regulations.
As Tim Joyce, Director of Sunflower Aviation, explained to local news outlet FBC News, the decision came after a lack of communication from the CAAF. “They would not answer emails or phone calls, and then close to 18:00 on Friday night, they came back and said they were not renewing the approval,” Joyce stated. The airline, which had a fleet of 12 aircraft, including a newly-acquired eight-seat GippsAero GA8 Airvan, now faces a dire situation, with over a hundred students in training left without a program.
Sunflower Aviation has provided essential services such as resort transfers and charter flights to the remote islands of Fiji, which consists of over 300 inhabited and uninhabited islands. Joyce noted that if the situation remains unresolved, the airline may have no choice but to liquidate.
The Fijian ministry responsible for aviation regulation emphasized that the suspension of Sunflower’s operational certificate was essential for public safety. “This matter cannot be compromised under any circumstances,” a representative stated.
The struggles of regional airlines are not isolated incidents. Several other airlines have declared bankruptcy in 2025, highlighting a troubling trend in the industry. For instance, Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time on August 29, 2025. Ravn Alaska ceased operations in August 2025 and subsequently folded into other operations. Corporate Air filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2025 as part of a planned sale, while Verijet canceled all flights and ceased operations in October 2025.
The CAAF reiterated that the decision to suspend Sunflower’s operations stemmed from “significant and recurring safety non-compliances by the operator.” This assessment underscores the growing scrutiny regional airlines face amidst a competitive landscape.
Beyond aviation, Tim and Susan Joyce operate related tourism companies, including Skydive Fiji and Heli-Tours Fiji. These companies often secure contracts for vital services, such as search and rescue operations and medical transportation from remote areas.
The situation for regional airlines remains precarious as they navigate financial challenges and regulatory oversight. As the industry evolves, these developments raise critical questions about the future of air travel in remote communities and the sustainability of smaller carriers in a competitive market.
