Overview: Braathens files for bankruptcy on Airbus-backed charter work
In a move that jolts the Nordic charter market, Braathens has filed for bankruptcy for parts of its business, notably its Airbus-operated services that fly for charter operators such as Ving and Apollo. The aim was to phase out the unit gradually, but the company says the financial strain proved insurmountable. The owner, Per G Braathen, outlined that the financing needed for a controlled wind-down never materialized, prompting a retrenchment toward the more durable core of the operation.
Immediate impact on Ving and Apollo
The decision to halt the Airbus-based charter flights means that operations for two major tour operators are effectively being re‑scheduled one by one. Apollo reports that the carrier is now working around the clock to secure replacement flights, taking it “flight by flight” as the winter timetable is assessed. The partnership with Braathens accounted for about 20 percent of Apollo’s Nordic flights; from Sweden, roughly eight flights were affected this week, with almost all of them replaced by substitutes.
Operational responses
For Apollo, the priority is to minimize disruption to customers. Martina Krantz, Apollo’s head of press, confirmed that the team is actively arranging substitute aircraft and will reach out to affected travelers as soon as plans are firm. On the other side of the relationship, Ving’s communications chief Claes Pellvik described the bankruptcy as a sudden development. He added that Ving is pursuing new flight solutions with urgency, noting that two departures scheduled earlier in the week—originating from Norway and Denmark—have already found acceptable alternatives.
What travelers and bookings should expect
Ving uses Braathens primarily for flights from smaller Swedish airports—Borlänge, Umeå, and Luleå—and also operates some routes from Stockholm and Gothenburg. In the near term, the carrier is confident that trips planned for the coming two weeks can be accommodated with replacement aircraft. However, the winter schedule remains unsettled; some flight series could be canceled, in which case customers will be entitled to refunds. Ving and Apollo urge travelers to await direct communications and to monitor updates as replacement solutions are confirmed.
Winter plans and potential risk
The crisis introduces a degree of uncertainty into the winter travel outlook. Apollo indicated that, while immediate impact is being mitigated with new aircraft, there is a possibility that certain winter connections could be disrupted if replacement capacity remains tight. The airlines emphasize that customer refunds are available for any canceled services, and that they will continue to provide information to travelers as arrangements evolve.
Jobs and regional footprint
The bankruptcy affects roughly 200 employees, with the reductions concentrated among pilots and cabin crew. The move underscores how a single operator’s strategic shift can reverberate through regional travel patterns, particularly for airports serving smaller communities in Sweden and Norway. Ving, Apollo, and partner carriers are now navigating a period of capacity reallocation to preserve service levels while the Nordic winter timetable unfolds.
Industry implications and what’s next
Analysts say the Braathens case highlights the fragility of charter aviation when a key supplier can no longer sustain its Airbus-driven model. For Ving and Apollo, the immediate task is ensuring sufficient substitute capacity and maintaining consumer trust during a period of operational rebalancing. The situation also tests how quickly tour operators can secure alternative fleets and how refunds policies are communicated amid ongoing disruptions. As the winter season approaches, the emphasis will be on transparent updates, efficient rebooking processes, and safeguarding customer experience while the industry adjusts to a leaner, more adaptable charter market.
