June 11, 2025 — Silver Airways, a regional airline based in Fort Lauderdale, ceased all operations without warning on Wednesday after announcing it was shutting down due to complications in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The airline’s decision left passengers stranded across Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
“We regret to inform you that we are ceasing operations as of today, June 11, 2025,” the company announced on its social media platforms.
Silver Airways had been in talks to sell its assets to another airline holding company, but the buyer ultimately chose not to fund the airline’s ongoing operations, triggering an immediate halt in service.
What Passengers Need to Know
The airline has advised customers:
- Do not go to the airport.
- Tickets purchased with a credit card should be refundable through the card issuer or travel agency.
- Tickets purchased by other means (such as cash or vouchers) may still be eligible for refunds, but customers will have to file claims as creditors in the bankruptcy process.
“Passengers with imminent travel plans may need to rebook flights at higher prices on other carriers,” said aviation consultant Robert W. Mann, Jr.
Widespread Disruption
Silver Airways served dozens of regional destinations throughout Florida and the Caribbean, often connecting smaller markets that had few alternative options. As of Wednesday morning, ticket counters like the one at Jacksonville International Airport were shuttered, with stranded passengers scrambling for information and alternatives.
Industry Context
Complete airline shutdowns are unusual in the U.S., as most struggling airlines are acquired or absorbed by competitors. Still, some small carriers have shuttered in recent years:
- Tailwind, which operated seaplane service between New York and Boston, ceased operations in 2024.
- Several regional feeder airlines folded during the COVID-19 pandemic, but were largely absorbed into larger airline networks.
Silver’s shutdown marks one of the largest full airline closures since the pandemic-era turbulence in the aviation industry, and raises new questions about the fragility of smaller regional carriers.
Travelers are encouraged to monitor their email and bank statements for refund updates, and contact travel insurance providers if applicable.
