Summary
In a sudden and unexpected development, Florida-based Silver Airways has ceased all operations effective immediately after failing to secure a buyer during bankruptcy proceedings. The regional airline, which had been a vital link between Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, officially shut down on June 11, 2025.
Passengers are being advised not to go to the airport, with the airline instructing customers to seek refunds through their credit card companies or travel agents.
The End of a Regional Carrier
Photo (c) Colin Cooke
Silver Airways was founded in 2011 following the bankruptcy and liquidation of Gulfstream International Airlines. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Silver initially focused on providing short-haul regional services within Florida and to destinations in the Bahamas. Over time, it expanded its network further into the Caribbean, including routes to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Anguilla, Tortola, Dominica, and St. Kitts, among others.
The airline operated a fleet of ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprop aircraft, replacing its earlier fleet of Saab 340s. These aircraft were well-suited for short runway operations across the Caribbean, allowing Silver to serve many smaller and underserved airports.
Silver Airways also at one point held codeshare and interline agreements with major U.S. carriers such as United Airlines and American Airlines, providing feeder traffic into larger hubs like Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and San Juan.
Financial Struggles and Bankruptcy
Silver Airways entered voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2024, aiming to restructure its debts while continuing operations. The airline reportedly owed between $100 million and $500 million, a burden that became unsustainable amidst rising operational costs, competition, and post-pandemic travel fluctuations.
Despite efforts to find a buyer, including a bankruptcy-driven asset sale, the airline’s assets were ultimately sold to Wexford Capital. However, the investment firm decided not to continue flight operations, leading to Silver Airways’ immediate shutdown.
In a statement, the airline said:
“In an attempt to restructure in bankruptcy, Silver entered into a transaction to sell its assets to another airline holding company, who unfortunately has determined not to continue Silver’s flight operations in Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.”
In the months leading up to its collapse, Silver had already reduced its fleet by nearly half and faced ongoing operational disruptions, including cancellations due to maintenance issues.
A Significant Gap in Regional Connectivity
Silver Airways’ closure leaves a significant gap in regional air travel, particularly for smaller Caribbean destinations that relied heavily on its services to maintain vital tourism and business links to the United States.
Its withdrawal threatens to reduce accessibility, increase travel costs, and create challenges for local economies that depend on U.S. tourism. Destinations such as Tortola, Dominica, and Anguilla — where Silver Airways offered some of the few direct flights from Florida and Puerto Rico — now face an uncertain future in terms of air service.
While larger carriers may absorb some of Silver’s traffic, its shutdown may present opportunities for regional airlines like LIAT or other Caribbean-based carriers to step in and restore connectivity.
The End of an Era
Silver Airways’ collapse brings an end to a 14-year chapter in U.S.-Caribbean regional aviation. For aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters, its distinct fleet of ATR turboprops and unique route map made it a familiar sight at airports like Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, San Juan, and Nassau.
As with many smaller regional airlines, the pressures of rising costs, limited market size, and operational challenges ultimately proved insurmountable. The coming months will reveal how the Caribbean aviation market adapts to fill the void left behind.
Did you ever fly Silver Airways? Leave a comment below!
Title image: Andrew Heneen, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
