The French airline Aigle Azur announced its bankruptcy and has decided to suspend all flights effective tomorrow, September 7th. In their statement, they based this decision on their financial situation and operational difficulties.
Aigle Azur, France’s second-biggest airline, flew to many African destinations, but also their deals to Sao Paulo, which used to include 2 pieces of luggage, were quite popular. But since 2012, the airline had been losing money and was part of many failed takeover attempts.
Apparently, Air France and IAG are interested in buying Aigle Azur, as the airline owns 10,000 slots at Paris Orly, which Air France could use for their low-cost airline Transavia, and IAG could use for Vueling.
What to do if you’re affected by the cancelations
Aigle Azur states that their financial situation does not allow them to quickly compensate their passengers. If you’ve booked through a travel agency, you are to contact the travel agency for reimbursement or an alternative flight. If you bought your ticket using a credit card, you may ask your credit card company for reimbursement. Otherwise, you may contact Aigle Azur, but don’t expect to get any great news from them anytime soon.
If you’ve already flown your outbound flight and your return flight has now been canceled, you’ll have to buy a ticket with another airline. Mostly in these situations, the other airlines will try to give you a special rate to help you out. You’ll have to ask around a bit and try to fix the situation as well as possible.
Sources: Simple Flying, Aigle Azur’s statement, French Foreign Ministry