Overview
A Norwegian-backed aviation group, Braathens, has applied for bankruptcy for parts of its operations, a move that immediately affects Nordic charter players Ving and Apollo. The decision specifically targets Braathens’ Airbus division, which operated flights on behalf of charter clients. The aim had been a gradual phasing-out, but the company says the financial challenges proved insurmountable.
Behind the decision
Why now
According to Braathens’ owner, Per G Braathen, the financing needed for a controlled wind-down “has unfortunately not reached its goal.” He adds that those affected are likely to feel sad, shocked and disappointed, and that the company has little choice but to reallocate focus to the parts of the business with a greater chance of long-term profitability.
The immediate effect
As a result, Braathens will halt all Airbus-operated charter flights, with the surrounding ecosystem feeling the shock. The move disrupts schedules that many tour operators rely on during the winter season, forcing rapid contingency planning across the industry.
Impact on Apollo and Ving
Apollo’s response
Apollo’s press contact, Martina Krantz, said the carrier is working intensely to arrange replacement flights, taking it “flight by flight, day by day” while evaluating longer-term winter solutions. Braathens previously accounted for about one-fifth of Apollo’s Nordic flights. In Sweden alone, that translated to eight flights this week, a number that has been largely resolved through substitute arrangements. Krantz reassured customers that Apollo would reach out to all affected travelers as soon as there is information, adding that the airline is committed to keeping customers informed throughout the process.
Ving’s position
Claes Pellvik, Ving’s communications chief, said the bankruptcy came as a surprise. The carrier is now working to identify alternative flight options. He noted that two Braathens departures from Norway and Denmark earlier this week have already been replaced with workable solutions. Ving typically uses Braathens for flights from smaller Swedish airports—Borlänge, Umeå, and Luleå—as well as some routes from Stockholm and Gothenburg. In the near term, Ving feels confident about securing arrangements for the immediate two-week window, but winter operations remain under review, with refunds guaranteed for any canceled services.
What travelers can expect
In the short term, the industry is coordinating closely to minimize disruption. Apollo and Ving stress that most near-term itineraries (the next two weeks) will proceed with replacements in place, though the longer-range winter schedule could still be impacted if additional changes arise. For customers with affected bookings, both operators have pledged proactive outreach and refunds for canceled flights.
Who is affected and what’s next
About 200 employees are expected to be affected, primarily pilots and cabin crew, illustrating the breadth of the impact beyond just the charter carriers. The Nordic charter market is closely watching Braathens’ restructuring and the ripple effects on capacity and schedules as winter travel approaches. Apollo and Ving will continue to monitor the situation, secure contingency flights where possible, and communicate updates to customers promptly.
Industry implications
The Braathens case underscores the fragility of reliance on a single supplier for critical legs of a charter season. For travelers, it reinforces the importance of staying flexible and keeping communications open with tour operators. For the Nordic aviation market, the priority now is stabilizing capacity, securing reliable replacement partners, and rebuilding confidence ahead of the winter travel window.
