In Memoriam: 30 Airlines That Ceased Operations

Good evening, and welcome to this nostalgic report on the ever-changing landscape of the aviation industry. Since the start of our industry, airlines have arrived and departed the skies, leaving behind a legacy of impressive service, innovation, and lessons-learned. The following list includes 30 airlines from around the world that are no longer operating, along with their years in service.

  • Pan American World Airways (1927-1991)

  • Trans World Airlines (TWA) (1930-2001)

  • Eastern Air Lines (1926-1991)

  • Swissair (1931-2002)

  • Sabena (1923-2001)

  • Air Berlin (1978-2017)

  • Wow Air (2012-2019)

  • Mexicana de Aviación (1921-2010)

  • Aloha Airlines (1946-2008)

  • Ansett Australia (1936-2001)

  • Canadian Airlines (1987-2001)
  • Spanair (1986-2012)
  • JAT Airways (1947-2013)
  • Air Jamaica (1966-2015)
  • Oasis Hong Kong Airlines (2006-2008)
  • Air Nigeria (2004-2012)
  • Viva Air (2003-2008)
  • ATA Airlines (1973-2008)
  • Tower Air (1983-2000)
  • Air Florida (1972-1984)
  • Miami Air International (1990-2020)
  • Midwest Airlines (1984-2010)
  • Air Philippines (1995-2013)
  • Sterling Airlines (2005-2008)
  • Air Afrique (1961-2002)
  • Dan-Air (1953-1992)
  • Air Midwest (1965-2008)
  • Transavia Denmark (1988-2003)
  • Cameroon Airlines (1971-2008)
  • Skybus Airlines (2007-2008)
Pan Am

Pan Am. Credit: Dean Morley

While some airlines have managed to withstand the test of time and become industry giants, others have had to bow out due to various challenges. The reasons for their closure may be diverse, but the legacy of these airlines lives on in the memories of the passengers they served and the contributions they made to the aviation industry.

“Where we’re going, we don’t need roads!”