Viking aircraft impounded at Gatwick
An aircraft operated by the Greek airline Viking Hellas was impounded at Gatwick airport on Monday for non-payment of fees.
The aircraft was later released after Viking Group settled the payment.
In a statement, Gatwick Airport said: "We can confirm that a Viking aircraft was detained by Gatwick Airport as a result of an unpaid, long-standing debt owed by Viking Group.
"Gatwick did not take this action lightly, but after months of chasing payment without success it became apparent that this was, regrettably, the only option left to recover the monies owed. The aircraft was released on Monday evening following the receipt of payment made by Viking Group."
Viking Hellas issued a statement claiming that Gatwick had confused the airline with Swedish carrier Viking AB, which suspended its operations last week, however the airport insisted both Viking Hellas and Viking AB owed money.
It said: "Following the detention of a Viking Hellas aircraft on Monday the long-standing Viking Hellas debt has now been cleared.
"The Viking AB debt remains outstanding and Gatwick will consider its options for recovering the monies owed.
It was announced earlier this week that Viking Hellas would take over flights from the UK that were due to have been operated by Viking AB. Viking Hellas insisted, however, that it was privately-owned a separate from Viking AB.
Viking AB has suspended its flying until March next year, claiming that it needs time to restructure.
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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