WOW: Icelandic carrier collapses, leaving 4,000 travellers stranded

By Nahrain John

@karryontravel

29 Mar 2019

WOW, thousands of travellers have been left stranded across Europe today after another carrier ceased operations with little-to-no warning.

Iceland’s low-cost airline, WOW Air, confirmed overnight that it was forced to shut up shop, making it the fifth European carrier to collapse due to financial difficulties over the last 18 months, following Monarch Airlines, Primera Air, Cobalt Air and Germania.

The Icelandic Transport Authority said the budget carrier’s collapse disrupted the travel plans of around 4,000 people who were either returning or flying out of Iceland.

“WOW AIR has ceased operation. All WOW AIR flights have been cancelled.”

WOW Air

The failed carrier said in an online statement that passengers who had purchased their ticket as part of a package tour through a European Travel Agent will be protected by the Package Travel Directive. They’ve been encouraged to contact their consultant to organise an alternative flight.

Travellers who purchased travel protection, or those with credit card protection in place, may be entitled to claim compensation. However, they’d need to contact their credit card provider for their full options.

The carrier also advised travellers to check availability through airlines offering “rescue fares”, including Icelandair, easyJet, Norwegian, Wizz Air, Aer Lingus, XL Airways and Virgin Atlantic

• READ: Another European carrier collapses
• READ: European carrier Cobalt Air ground all flights
• READ: Travellers told to ‘find alternative flights’ after Danish carrier fails

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