Anguilla Cancels Silver Airways Flights Due to Financial Disputes
The Government of Anguilla and AASPA revoked Silver Airways' permit to operate flights between Puerto Rico and Anguilla due to unpaid fees totaling USD 103,549.15. The suspension follows months of unresolved debt and the airline's recent bankruptcy filing
The Government of Anguilla and the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority (AASPA) have revoked Silver Airways' seasonal permit to operate flights between Puerto Rico and Anguilla, effective immediately. The decision was made due to non-payment of fees totaling USD 103,549.15, according to a statement from AASPA.
The notice of revocation, issued on January 14, 2025, aligns with Section 8 of the Seasonal Permit and Article 12(1) of the Air Navigation Order (Overseas Territories). AASPA highlighted that Silver Airways has accumulated significant debt in Anguilla since May 2023, with repeated efforts to resolve the issue proving unsuccessful.
In September 2024, Silver Airways was warned that failure to settle its debt could jeopardize the renewal of its operating permits. Despite these warnings, the airline did not address the matter before filing for bankruptcy on December 30.
According to AASPA, Silver Airways later informed Anguillian authorities that U.S. bankruptcy laws prevent it from making payments or entering into repayment agreements for debts incurred in Anguilla.
The Government of Anguilla rejected Silver Airways' allegations that it seeks to violate U.S. laws, emphasizing its right to deny operations to companies unable to meet their financial obligations. Allowing the airline to operate without compensation, AASPA stated, would create an unsustainable precedent, negatively affecting the aviation sector, government operations, and tourism.
Before the suspension, Silver Airways operated two weekly flights with ATR 72 aircraft. With this route no longer available, the only alternative is Tradewind Aviation, which operates Pilatus PC-12 aircraft and primarily serves the corporate market.
Despite the current circumstances, Anguilla expressed its willingness to reconsider commercial agreements with Silver Airways in the future
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