A European airline that operated flights for UK carriers, including Jet2 and TUI, has ceased operations after 16 years.
AirExplore, based in Slovakia, was founded in 2008 and began ACMI (wet leasing) operations in 2010.
It provided aircraft and crew to UK carriers, including Jet2 and TUI, through ACMI arrangements, helping support services across the UK and Europe.
AirExplore aircraft have been seen at major UK airports, including Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle International, and London Stansted.
The airline was acquired by Avia Solutions Group in June 2023.
AirExplore ceases operations after 16 years
AirExplore officially ceased operations on Tuesday (November 10) and submitted a request to surrender its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
In a statement posted on its website, the airline said: "The Slovakian ACMI and charter airline AirExplore has ceased operations on 10 November 2026 and has submitted a request to surrender its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
"We thank all our employees, customers, partners, and team for their support over the years."
No reason has been given for the closure.
UK airline ordered into compulsory liquidation with all flights cancelled
Meanwhile, UK-based Global Airlines has been ordered into compulsory liquidation.
The UK startup, which planned to use a fleet of Airbus A380 planes, was formally ordered to wind up by the Insolvency and Companies Court on Wednesday (November 4), according to The Gazette.
The winding-up petition was originally filed in May, with several hearings taking place in the following months, including the most recent in October.
With the order now in place, an officer of the court, known as the official receiver, has taken control of winding up the company.
Government guidelines state that once a winding-up order is issued, the company’s bank accounts are typically frozen and its assets sold off to repay creditors.
Companies have the right to apply for cancellation of a winding-up order within five working days if they believe the action is unwarranted.
Global Airlines is still listed as "active" on Companies House, though its most recent accounts are overdue.
Global Airlines has been contacted for comment.
Other UK airlines that have collapsed into administration/liquidation in 2026
Four other UK airlines have fallen into administration or liquidation this year:
- Ascend Airways (liquidation)
- EcoJet Airlines (liquidation)
- Zenith Aviation Limited (administration)
- European Cargo (administration)
They join a growing list of UK travel companies that have ceased trading or entered administration/liquidation in 2026, including:
- Regen Central Ltd
- Gold Crest Holidays
- Asiara UK Ltd
- Simply Florida Travel Ltd
- Trav Expert Ltd
- Strachan Travel Ltd
- Travel Bespoke Ltd
- Global Vision International
- Ski Yodl Ltd
- TS Travels Group
- Yourtravelshop.com
- TS Travel Realisations Ltd
- Firefly Holidays
- Fraser Travel Ltd
- Golf Villa Rentals Ltd
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- Barnes Worldwide Travel Ltd
- Global Travel Partners
- Wroxham Travel
Wayfairer Travel Limited has also suspended all services "until further notice" as it looks to appoint an administrator.
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