World

Airline cancels all summer holidays with 72 hour notice to passengers

The flight carrier has abruptly cancelled its entire network for the whole summer, with passengers now left scrambling for refunds – and uncertainty hanging over the company

A key airline has abruptly pulled all of its summer flights, leaving passengers scrambling for refunds as holidaymakers face uncertainty over their travel plans.

Beond Airlines confirmed it will halt all services between the Maldives and Europe, as well as routes via Dubai, with flights not expected to resume until October at the earliest.

While the carrier initially pointed to a seasonal pause on its European routes, it now appears the disruption is far more extensive. Flights across its entire network – including Middle East connections – are no longer available to book, suggesting a full shutdown rather than a limited adjustment.

Customers with existing bookings are being contacted and offered alternatives, including rebooking for later in the year, travel credit valid for up to 12 months, or full refunds.

However, the business class only airline quietly removed a previous promise from its website that guaranteed business-class rebooking on other airlines in the event of disruption, in a move raising eyebrows amongst passengers.

The airline, which launched in 2023 as a premium all-business-class carrier, had focused on luxury travel between Europe and the Maldives.

Behind the scenes, mounting financial and operational pressures appear to be taking their toll on the luxury airline, as rising fuel costs make long-haul routes increasingly expensive to run – particularly for smaller airlines with limited resources. The airline operates a limited fleet of just two aircraft, an Airbus A319 and Airbus A321.

Further signs of change have emerged online, with the airline removing parts of its website, including customer assurance details and past announcements about expansion plans.

Beond had previously outlined ambitious growth, including new destinations for the airline, but several of these proposals never materialised – raising doubts about its ability to return to the skies after its summer hiatus.