Florida-based regional airline Silver Airways abruptly ceased all flight operations on June 11, 2025, following a failed bankruptcy restructuring. The airline announced the shutdown via social media, urging customers not to go to the airport and advising that refunds for credit card purchases should be sought through credit card companies or travel agencies. This sudden halt left many passengers stranded and flights canceled across Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, where Silver had operated extensively.

Silver Airways had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on December 30, 2024, with the intent to restructure its finances and secure additional capital. The airline entered into a transaction to sell its assets to another airline holding company as part of this restructuring effort. However, the buyer ultimately decided not to continue Silver’s flight operations, leading to the immediate cessation of all services. Prior to the shutdown, Silver had been reducing operations, including halving its fleet and ending services at Orlando International Airport earlier in the year.

Founded in 2011 out of the remnants of Gulfstream International Airlines, Silver Airways had become a key regional carrier connecting Florida with the Bahamas and Caribbean destinations. It operated primarily from hubs such as Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Tampa International Airport, offering short-haul flights on ATR turboprop aircraft. The airline was among the few U.S. carriers approved to fly to Cuba starting in 2016, following the easing of travel restrictions during the Obama administration. Despite its regional importance, Silver struggled with financial challenges exacerbated by high fuel and maintenance costs and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The abrupt shutdown has had significant consequences for employees and travelers alike. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA reported that nearly 100 flight attendants lost their jobs overnight and is working to secure their final paychecks and benefits. Passengers with booked flights faced cancellations and the challenge of finding alternative transportation. Industry analysts noted that while refunds should be processed via credit card protections, the sudden loss of Silver Airways leaves a gap in regional connectivity in Florida and the Caribbean.