Silver Airways, the regional carrier known for its ATR42-600 and ATR72-600 turboprops, has abruptly canceled all flights at Orlando International Airport (MCO), leaving passengers scrambling for alternatives.
A History of Unpredictability
Silver has operated out of Orlando for many years and even opened a maintenance facility there in 2015. However, the airline has a track record of sudden changes—launching routes to unexpected destinations and just as quickly shutting down operations with little to no notice.
In 2023, Broward County, which manages Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), even threatened to evict Silver over unpaid rent. That issue was eventually resolved, but the airline’s struggles didn’t stop there.
Bankruptcy and Sudden Flight Cancellations
On December 30, 2024, Silver Airways filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, stating its intent to continue operations while restructuring. The airline aims to emerge from bankruptcy by early 2025, but whether this sudden Orlando exit is related to those financial troubles remains unclear.
Passengers Left Stranded
Local news station WFTV reported that Silver Airways’ counters at MCO were deserted, with only a sign instructing ticketed passengers to call a customer service number. Since Silver was the only carrier offering nonstop flights from Orlando to Key West and Marsh Harbour, many travelers were left with no easy alternatives.
A Personal Experience with Silver
It’s been years since we last flew Silver Airways—back when they were a United codeshare partner. We took a trip to Key West, and while the plane was small, the ride itself was comfortable.
Will Silver Return to Orlando?
So far, there’s no word from Silver Airways on whether this is a temporary suspension or a permanent exit from Orlando. We’ll be keeping an eye on what happens next.
Want to comment on this post? Great! Read this first to help ensure it gets approved.
Want to sponsor a post, write something for Your Mileage May Vary, or put ads on our site? Click here for more info.
Like this post? Please share it! We have plenty more just like it and would love it if you decided to hang around and sign up to get emailed notifications of when we post.
Whether you’ve read our articles before or this is the first time you’re stopping by, we’re really glad you’re here and hope you come back to visit again!
This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
1 comment
They aren’t returning to Orlando anytime soon, because they no longer have the planes to cover its routes. Some aircraft lessors had enough and were able to repossess planes. Ch-aviation has the scoop below. Doesn’t look great for emerging from bankruptcy, unless Silver planned to shed these planes anyhow.
https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/151032-uss-silver-airways-cancels-all-flights-from-orlando