The European arm of International Airlines Group’s low-cost
carrier Level has ceased trading and entered insolvency after nearly three months of being grounded due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The airline, which was established in 2018 as a separate carrier to
complement Level’s long-haul operations, was based in Vienna and operated short-haul
flights throughout Europe. Its flights were grounded in March as the
coronavirus outbreak hit the region.
Level Europe is due to appoint an administrator in the coming days
and passengers who had flights booked directly with the carrier are advised to
contact this administrator to discuss a refund. Customers who booked through a
partner airline or travel agency have been told to get in touch with that
company to discuss their options. The insolvency does not affect Level's long-haul airline.
Level Europe’s insolvency comes as fellow IAG carrier British
Airways is planning to make up to 12,000 employees redundant and is asking for
changes to staff pay and conditions.