Budget carrier SkyEurope stops flying, files for bankruptcy

Budget carrier SkyEurope stops flying, files for bankruptcyVienna/Bratislava  - Slovak budget airline SkyEurope stopped its operations and filed for bankruptcy on Monday night, the insolvent carrier announced.

The decision was made by the court-appointed trustee of the company, which was granted creditor protection in June.

Citing "lack of sufficient interim funding to finance ongoing operations," SkyEurope said all flights were suspended.

In mid-August, Vienna's airport stopped handling the carrier's flights over unpaid fees, and earlier on Monday, Prague airport threatened to take the same measure.

The small airline operated since 2002 and used to make up to 10 flights each day from Bratislava, Prague and Vienna to European holiday destinations.

SkyEurope had a net loss of 15.1 million euros (21.6 million dollars) in the last business quarter ending in June. Its shares are listed on stock exchanges in Vienna and Warsaw. (dpa)