Cyprus Airways closes down
Cyprus Airways has ceased flying after an EU ruling that it has to repay millions of euros of ‘illegal’ state funding.
In an email to agents, ABTA said the European Commission had decided that a restructuring aid package of over €100 million for Cyprus Airways gave the airline an undue advantage over its competitors.
It was found to be in breach of EU state aid rules and as a result the airline needed to repay the funds.
ABTA said as a result, Cyprus Airways’ flight programme has been cancelled and the Cypriot Government published the following statement:
"Following today’s decision for immediate termination of the flight programme of Cyprus Airways, the Cyprus Government decided to offer alternative arrangements to all passengers who have in their possession tickets of Cyprus Airways flights.
"The Republic will undertake fully the cost of the alternative flights and therefore the passengers will not be burdened in any way."
For departure days up to and until February 9, 2015, passengers can contact the travel agency Top Kinisis Travel Public at the national telephone number 77787878, or from overseas on +357 22869999.
For those with a departure date from February 10, 2015 onwards, it said a new announcement would be made in the coming days.
Cyprus Airways repeatedly received aid between 2007 and 2013 as the government, which owns 93% of the national carrier, failed to find outside investors.
The Foreign Office said: "Cyprus Airways has suspended operations. The Cyprus Government will make alternative arrangements for holders of Cyprus Airways tickets."
Diane
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