Royal Air Philippines has become the first airline to cease operations in 2026, leaving 3,000-4,000 travelers scrambling to find alternate travel plans. Dove Airlines, an Indian carrier, has also entered voluntary liquidation after years of financial struggles. Both airlines faced insurmountable challenges leading to their closures.

Dove Airlines, founded in 2007, operated as a charter carrier using regional aircraft like the Dornier 228. Despite ambitions to join the government’s regional connectivity scheme, financial stress, grounded fleets, and legal disputes with lessors plagued the airline, leading to its closure in 2026.

Other recent airline closures include Spirit Airlines, Ravn Alaska, Corporate Air, Play Airlines, and Braathens Airlines, all filing for bankruptcy or ceasing operations in 2025. The airline industry continues to face challenges, with bankruptcies and liquidations becoming increasingly common.

The National Company Law Tribunal of India has kept Dove Airlines in insolvency proceedings for years, but after failed attempts to secure new funding, the airline has opted for voluntary liquidation. Creditors have until Feb. 4 to submit claims as Dove Airlines prepares for its final landing after a 30-year legacy in Indian aviation.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Global airline cancels all flights in Chapter 7 liquidation plan