Thousands of passengers stranded as Sterling Airlines goes bust

October 29th, 2008 by Tim Uden

The Icelandic-owned, but Danish-based, low cost airline Sterling Airlines has declared bankrupcy and ceased operating. The company has attributed rising fuel costs and the 2008 Icelandic financial crisis as the main factors behind the company’s collapse.

Sterling flew to around 40 destinations throughout Europe, although it was primarily a Scandinavian airline with hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm. It’s main UK hub was Gatwick Airport and routes includes flights from Gatwick to Copenhagen and Stockholm.

Customers who have purchsed tickets directly on Sterling’s website will not recieve any refund, although customers may be able to get a refund on tickets bought from travel agents and tickets bought by credit card (through the guarantee scheme offered by some credit card companies). Although many travel insurance policies do not protect against airline insolvency, stranded travellers should still contact their travel insurance company as it may be possible to claim some compensation.

Travellers who have booked travel with Sterling can find more information on Sterling’s website.

Sterling’s parent company, Northern Travel Holding is part owned by Fons Eignarhaldsfélag, which also owns low cost Icelandic airline Iceland Express.

Tags: low-cost airlines, Sterling Airlines
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