Passengers stranded as low cost airline ceases operations

A Cypriot airline which flies out of Manchester airport has cancelled all of its operations with immediate effect.

Cobalt Air issued a statement last night warning passengers all its flights to Larnaca Airport in Cyprus have been cancelled.

The Cypriot Ministry of Transport also issued a statement on Twitter.

Official announcement by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works regarding Cobalt pic.twitter.com/qjU30aNO2q

— Cyprus Airports (@CyprusAeropolis) October 17, 2018

The statement from the airline said: “Cobalt regrets to announce that it will be cancelling all Flights as of 23:50pm on October 17, 2018 due to indefinite suspension of Cobalt’s operations.

“As a result, future flights or services provided by Cobalt will be cancelled and will no longer operate.

“Passengers who have un-flown tickets are instructed not to go to Larnaca Airport or any departure airport tomorrow, 18 October 2018 as no Cobalt flights will operate and no Cobalt staff will be present.

“For refunds, please contact your credit card provider or Travel Agent.

“We sincerely apologise once again and would like to thank our very loyal customers for their support over the last two years of Cobalt operations.”

The low-cost airline has operated flights in and out of Cyprus since 2016.

Local media said Cobalt had failed to reach a deal with a potential new investor.

The Cyprus Mail said the airline’s main backer is China’s Avic Joy Air.

A total of nine flights had been scheduled to arrive and nine to depart from Larnaca airport on Thursday.

Cobalt flew to 23 destinations, including Manchestet, Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick.

Cypriot Transport Minister Vassiliki Anastassiadou said the government would pay for tickets to help travellers get home.