Wataniya Airways has closed down!

This is a truly sad day in Kuwaiti aviation! The third commercial airliner in Kuwait, Wataniya Airways, which boasts services that none other has in the region, has folded. Flight965.com heard this evening of reports of mass cancellations. The people flying had been warned a day ahead of time and they found out their trip was cancelled.

The giveaway was these people’s tickets were re-routed through Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways, which was a sign of the closure. Then news came out that Wataniya Airways was in fact suspending its services due to financial troubles and regional political unrest.

“The board has decided to cease all Wataniya Airways operations with the return of its last scheduled flight to Kuwait tonight, March 16th, 2011,” said the board of directors in a statement.

It said the move was caused by “the current financial situation of the company and the lack of fair trade requirements in the local market, as well as the difficult political and security situation in the region.”

There were also clues as to the monetary woes of the company. A couple of months ago, Wataniya Airways cut down substantially on its flight routes to destinations, many changes were made and the political situation was too much of a hurdle that the airline had to launch initiative campaigns to re-ignite tourism to Egypt.

The luxury airliner will no longer operate as of now and there is not word yet as to what will happen to its special terminal.

Below is the announcement tweet, whcih states: “Wataniya Airways’ Board of Directors decided today to cease all operations with the return of the last flight tonight.”

Here’s the FAQ:

Dear Guest,
We would like to inform you that, starting March 16th, Wataniya Airways has ceased all its operations and will now enter a process to determine the future of the company. In the meantime, no flights will operate. Unfortunately, the company is not in a position to offer alternative flights to you. We regret that matters have reached this juncture and deeply apologize for the inconvenience it has caused. We ask you to please contact us regarding your claims on claims@wataniyaairways.com or by mail to:
Wataniya Airways Claims
P.O.Box 3355
Safat 13036
State of Kuwait
You can also obtain the latest information about Wataniya Airways situation through our website wataniyaairways.com

Sincerely,
Wataniya Airways

Statement from the Board of Wataniya Airways
The Board of Wataniya Airways met today to discuss the company’s financial condition and options for the company going forward. As a result, the Board has decided to call a meeting of the company’s shareholders as soon as possible to discuss the future course of the company.

In the meantime, given the current financial situation of the company and the lack of fair trade requirements in the local market, as well as the difficult political and security situation in the region, the Board has decided to cease all Wataniya Airways operations with the return of its last scheduled flight to Kuwait tonight, March 16th 2011.

The Board of Wataniya Airways apologises unreservedly to all parties for the inconvenience and disruption this will cause.

Those guests with flights booked after March 16th 2011, will need to make alternative travel arrangements. Guests should contact Wataniya Airways to register their claims for the loss of their Wataniya Airways flight or holiday on claims@wataniyaairways.com, or by mail to:

Wataniya Airways Claims
P.O.Box 3355
Safat 13036
State of Kuwait

Today is a sad day for all Wataniya Airways employees, our shareholders, and our loyal and valued guests. Over the last two years, together we have written a new chapter in Kuwaiti aviation history. In doing so, we have sought to deliver the very best services that air travel has to offer, achieved new benchmarks and created a proud and remarkable record. Further information will be communicated to our shareholders, guests, and the general public in a press conference set for next week as well as the extraordinary general assembly meeting the timing of which will be announced as soon as possible.

Wataniya Airways Board of Directors Statement Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I’m a ticket holder for a flight after March 16th, what happens to my ticket?
A. Wataniya Airways has ceased all its operations for the time being until the company’s shareholders decide what the future course is for the company in an extraordinary general assembly meeting that will be announced soon.
We regret that matters have reached this point for our guests and our employees, but ceasing operations means that the operations of Wataniya Airways, including administrative operations, have ceased completely.
Guests with tickets dated beyond March 16th 2011 can email their claims to claims@wataniyaairways.com or send them by post to:
Wataniya Airways Claims
P.O.Box 3355
Safat 13036
State of Kuwait

A decision will be made on all claims after the extraordinary general assembly meeting.

Q. What if I’m stranded in another country and my flight back to Kuwait/original destination is coming up?
A. We are deeply sorry for this situation; unfortunately the only way for our guests to come back is to re-book their ticket on another airline. As for the money paid for your Wataniya Airways ticket, we are sorry that we cannot offer immediate refunds for the tickets as all operations in Wataniya Airways have ceased. The only way this issue can be resolved is for you contact us with your claim to be able to receive your refund at a later date.

Q. Why is this happening in Wataniya Airways?
A. Wataniya Airways’ Board of Directors has decided to cease all operations of the airline in light of its current financial situations. The board will take the decision regarding the future of the company to an extraordinary meeting for its shareholders that will be announced as soon as possible.

Q. What does this mean for the future of the company?
A. The future of the company will only be determined now by its shareholders, and while we take pride in our service during the past two years, it is a matter that rests with the owners of the company and will be discussed thoroughly in the upcoming general assembly meeting.

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