Citywing (Isle of Man) has been forced to charter in capacity from each of Titan Airways (ZT, London Stansted) and Denmark's North Flying (NFA, Aalborg) after the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) suspended Czech passenger carrier VAN Air Europe's operating permit late last week. VAN AIR Europe (V9, Brno) operates Let 410s for and on behalf of CityWing.
On Thursday, February 23, a VAN Air Let 410 OK-LAZ (msn 902504), operating as flight V9502 from the Isle of Man to Belfast City, was forced to return to base due to deteriorating weather conditions in Northern Ireland. On roll out on the Isle of Man, the turboprop was escorted by fire and emergency services off runway 26 for reasons still unknown.
"Citywing have been advised by Van Air that the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has requested to speak with Van Air following the incident," CItyWing said in a statement. "Until such discussions take place, hopefully within the next 24-48 hours, the UK CAA has asked Van Air to stop flying. Unfortunately this means that all Citywing flights will be affected until further notice."
Since then, CityWing has chartered B737-300(QC) G-POWC (msn 25402) from Titan Airways for flights to London Stansted, Glasgow International, Newcastle, GB, Blackpool, and Belfast City. It has been joined by a Metroliner sourced from North Flying for use on flights to Blackpool.
