Icelandic airline Wow air goes under

 

Per the Icelandic Transport Authority (ITA), WOW air has ceased operations, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.  It would appear that the airline has been struggling for some time and today, the plug was finally pulled on another low cost airline.

Wow has been flying since 2012, and had over 1,000 staff.  They flew from Iceland to the US east coast as well as to the UK and some European destinations.  Amazingly, they were still selling tickets minutes before collapsing, prompting Rory Bowland, who is the travel editor at Which? to remark “Passengers will quite rightly be appalled that Wow Air was still selling tickets right up to the moment it collapsed, knowing full well that any tickets sold would likely not be worth the paper they are printed on.”

“We have run out of time and have unfortunately not been able to secure funding for the company. I will never be able to forgive myself for not taking action sooner.” said chairman Skuli Mogensen in a letter to employees.

Here’s the official advice from the ITA.

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

How will I reach my destination?

Passengers are advised to check available flights with other airlines.
Some airlines may offer flights at a reduced rate, so-called rescue fares, in light of the circumstances. Information on those airlines will be published, when it becomes
available.

What are my rights?

Passengers whose ticket was paid with a credit card are advised to contact their
credit card company to check whether a refund of the ticket cost will be issued.
Passengers who bought their ticket from a European travel agent (within the
European Economic Area) as a part of a package tour (a package which includes
flights and accommodation or other services) are protected by the Package Travel
Directive. Those passengers are advised to contact their travel agent to arrange an
alternative flight.
Passengers who may have bought travel protection, or those passengers whose
credit card terms may include such protection, may be entitled to claim
compensation and assistance due to delays or travel disruption. However, such
compensation is often limited.
Passengers may also be entitled to compensation from WOW AIR, including in
accordance with European regulation on Air Passenger Rights. In case of a
bankruptcy, claims should be filed to the administrator / liquidator.

Where can I get up-to-date information?

This announcement will be published and continuously updated on the following
websites:
– Icelandic Transport Authority: www.samgongustofa.is / www.icetra.is
– Keflavik Airport: www.isavia.is/en
– WOW AIR: www.wowair.com
– Posted at all relevant airports
General information about passenger rights can be found at www.icetra.is