For years, Silver Airways tried to offer a slice of old-school flying charm, evoking the golden age of air travel with smaller planes, sunny destinations, and a retro touch.
But that nostalgic dream has officially come to an end.
On Wednesday, the airline abruptly announced it was ceasing all operations—effective immediately—and delivered a blunt warning to passengers: don’t even bother showing up at the airport.
Silver Airways Tells Passengers to Stay Home
In a message that caught many by surprise, Silver Airways instructed travelers with booked flights not to head to the airport.
Instead, the airline advised customers to seek refunds directly through their credit card companies or travel agencies.
The message was clear: there would be no flights, no check-ins, and no staff to assist you.
Once a Regional Staple Across Florida and the Caribbean
Silver Airways had carved out a niche flying short-haul routes across Florida and neighboring islands.
Its network connected cities like Tampa, Tallahassee, Key West, and Pensacola.
Outside the mainland, it served the Bahamas—including Nassau, Freeport, and Bimini—as well as Puerto Rico and other parts of the Caribbean.
For many, it was the go-to carrier for hopping between warm-weather destinations.
Bankruptcy Troubles Were Brewing for Months
The shutdown didn’t come entirely out of the blue. Silver Airways had filed for bankruptcy back in December, beginning a drawn-out struggle to stay airborne.
By March, the signs of collapse were showing—flights from Orlando International Airport were canceled entirely.
A bankruptcy auction earlier this June failed to attract any bidders, and the writing was on the wall.
Final Blow Delivered by New Owners
On Wednesday, private equity firm Wexford Capital—Silver’s main financial backer—stepped in and officially pulled the plug.
Wexford had previously lent the airline $5.5 million in a last-ditch effort to keep operations running, but ultimately chose to stop funding the business and end most operations.
Silver’s CEO, Steven Rossum, broke the news to employees in a somber letter:
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the difficult news that, after months navigating through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, our journey at Silver Airways is coming to an end for most of us.”
Most Employees Let Go, A Few Asked to Stay
According to the letter, most of Silver’s remaining 350 employees are being let go.
Only a small number will be asked to stay temporarily to assist with record-keeping and asset management.
As for Seaborne Airlines—a small carrier Silver acquired in 2018—it will continue operating as usual, at least for now.
A Short but Ambitious History
Silver Airways was relatively young. It launched in 2011, rising from the remains of Gulfstream International Airways, which had also declared bankruptcy.
Silver started out with six Saab 340Bplus turboprop planes—each with 34 seats—and a bold, eye-catching pink paint job.
Selling a Vintage Air Travel Experience
From day one, Silver leaned into a vintage vibe.
Its original CEO, Dave Pflieger, often referenced the glamour of old-school flying.
“It’s almost sort of nostalgic-days-of-old flying—the Elizabeth Taylor era,” he once said.
Passengers walked across the tarmac, boarded by stairs, and sat beside whirring propellers. It was a throwback in every way.
Routes to Cuba Were Part of the Plan
At one point, Silver was flying to nine cities in Cuba outside Havana.
But in 2017, the airline quietly pulled back from the island due to low demand.
It was a sign that even nostalgia has limits when it comes to business viability.
The End of Silver Airways’ Story
Silver Airways aimed to make air travel feel a little more personal and charming, but the financial pressures were too much to overcome.
Now, with the company grounded and employees facing layoffs, its chapter in regional aviation history comes to a quiet, bittersweet close.