Myrtle Beach-based discount airline Direct Air, which abruptly canceled its entire schedule Monday, is shutting down all flight operations for two months.
Direct Air marketing officer Ed Warneck told the Myrtle Beach Sun News today the company missed a fuel payment, causing its supplier to pull the plug. In his initial comments to the newspaper prior to the suspension announcement, Warneck had said flights would resume this week.
Three flights out of the Niagara Falls International Airport were suddenly canceled yesterday, including one in which the passengers had already boarded the plane. The cancelations stranded many passengers heading to and from the Niagara Falls airport.
Travelers with tickets to a Direct Air flight are being urged to contact their credit card companies to obtain refunds.
The following statement has been posted on the company's website:
Direct Air finds it necessary to suspend flight operation from Tuesday, March 13, 2012 until May 15, 2012. This decision was made to address operational matters. We are currently evaluating strategic alternatives for Direct Air.
Direct Air is committed to our passengers, employees, and the communities we serve.
Please check back here for more details.
Very Truly Yours,
Direct Air