Budget airline Bonza has fallen into voluntary administration after passengers were left scrambling to find seats on planes following sudden cancellations.
Travellers were left stranded in airports across Australia on Tuesday morning amid urgent talks about the future of the airline.
ASIC records on Tuesday afternoon showed the company appointed external administrators, named as Hall Chadwick.
In a brief statement earlier, chief executive Tim Jordan apologised to customers and said the company’s ongoing viability was being discussed.
“We’re working as quickly as possible to determine a way forward that ensures there is ongoing competition in the Australian domestic aviation market,” Mr Jordan said.
Flights suspended on Tuesday included those to or from Melbourne, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, Launceston, Alice Springs and others.
Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said a hotline for stranded passengers was created.
“My department has reached out to Bonza and our expectation is that they keep passengers informed of their options and their consumer rights,” Ms King said.
Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar have offered to fly Bonza passengers free of charge…