According to a Press Association article the Spanish gov. are trying to fine Spanair. I hope the employees get their money first.
Spain's government has launched legal action against the now-defunct airline Spanair for allegedly violating the country's aviation regulations by suddenly ceasing operations.
An estimated 22,000 passengers who had booked seats on more than 220 cancelled flights have been left looking for alternative arrangements after Spanair, owned by a consortium based in the north-eastern region of Catalonia, shut down its operations late on Friday because of a lack of funding.
The legal proceedings begun by Spain's government could lead to Spanair being fined 9 million euro (£7.5 million) for two "serious infringements" of aviation security legislation, development minister Ana Pastor said. The alleged infractions related to obligations linked to continued service and passenger protection.
Chairman Ferran Soriano said the airline had failed to attract inward investment and consequently the regional government of north-eastern Catalonia took the decision to stop providing funds. Spanair, whose hub was Barcelona airport, employed around 2,000 people and used the services of about 1,200 ground staff.
Spanair's financial woes were exacerbated by a 2008 crash that killed 154 people. Eighteen people survived what was Spain's worst aviation disaster in 25 years. The airline, which also ran a commuter service between Madrid and Barcelona, was in trouble financially before Spanair Flight JK5022 - an MD-82 jet - crashed on take-off on August 20, 2008 as it tried to leave Madrid bound for the Canary Islands.
In 2010, Spanair reported an operating loss of 115 million euro (£96 million) and had survived thanks to finance provided by the Catalan government and some private investors.
The Catalan government cited the "current economic climate" and "European legislation concerning competition" as the major factors influencing its decision.
In Brussels, the European Low Fares Airline Association said those of its members flying overlapping routes with Spanair would offer specially discounted fares to enable stranded passengers to return home. Offers are subject to seat availability, said the organisation of budget airlines - which includes Ryanair and EasyJet.
The association's secretary-general, John Hanlon, said in a statement the aim was to assist Spanair passengers who were experiencing difficulties with travel plans. National carrier Iberia Spanish Airlines SA said it had also offered to help.
It is not known if any British passengers are affected.
Copyright © 2012 The Press Association. All rights reserved.
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