Passengers stranded at BIA as Zoom grinds to a halt
Thursday, 4 September 2008
Zoom Airlines: passengers were stranded at Belfast International Airport last week after the airline suspended operations.
HUNDREDS of passengers at Belfast International Airport were last week forced to make alternative travel arrangements after Zoom Airlines suspended all operations in their transatlantic service.
The Canadian company blamed escalating fuel prices on their decision, adding that they faced 'acutely difficult' trading conditions within the aviation industry.
A spokesperson for the airport said that the vast majority of travellers had left the airport upon hearing the news last Friday, and the airline said they had advised customers to 'seek bookings with alternative airlines'.
The airline employed 450 staff in Canada and 260 staff in the UK, and operated flights from six UK airports, London Gatwick, Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff, Belfast, Cardiff as well as Paris and Rome. It flew to eight destinations in Canada, New York, San Diego, Fort Lauderdale and Bermuda.
Hugh and John Boyle, the founders of Zoom, speaking last Friday, said: "We deeply regret the fact that we have been forced to suspend all Zoom operations. It is a tragic day for our passengers and more than 600 staff.
“We are desperately sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment that this will cause passengers and those who have booked flights.
“We have done everything we can to support the airline and left no stone unturned to secure a re-financing package that would have kept our aircraft flying.
“Even late today we believed we had secured a new investment package to ensure future operations but the actions of creditors meant we could not continue flying. Having been unable to complete the investment package the directors of Zoom had no option but to instigate administration proceedings."
They added: "The suspension of operations is a result of the exceptionally difficult trading conditions which have affected all airlines over the last 12 months.
“We have worked hard over the last seven years to build up a successful business but have incurred losses in the current year due to the unprecedented increase in the price of aviation fuel and the economic climate. The increase in the price of oil has added around $50 million to our annual operating costs and we could not recover that from passengers who had already booked their flights.
“We would like to thank the many thousands of passengers who chose to travel with Zoom during the last seven years and efforts of the airline's staff. We are extremely sorry for today's unavoidable actions."
South Antrim MP, William McCrea, was outspoken in his condemnation of the airline, claiming that 'hundreds of travellers' had been stranded at the International Airport and several other airports.
Mr McCrea said: "I know that many travellers feel very angry and frustrated at the manner they were treated and were told of the cancellation of the flights, and I also feel the same. Indeed many ordinary travellers were left without money, flights or information as to how they were able to continue their journey across the Atlantic or other planned destinations.
“I feel the travelling public have been treated in a disgraceful manner and deserve to at least have their lost fares refunded. Imagine the horror and fear faced by those who were awaiting flights to return them home to Northern Ireland, having little financial reserves yet simply dumped by the airline.
“Passengers must be assisted by the Association of Travel Agents and I advise them to immediately consult these agencies for the appropriate assistance. I accept that airlines like all industry and indeed individuals are facing the oil crisis crunch.
“However, to allow an airline to go bust and strand thousands of ordinary people, often far away from home, without any warning is an intolerable and disgraceful situation."
The company said it expected the vast majority of passengers affected by the suspension of the airline's services would be able to secure alternative flights and would be entitled to refunds.
