Malta-based Universal Air will cease all scheduled passenger flights at the end of this month—just over one year after entering the commercial market.
The airline says its final scheduled services will operate on May 30, after which it will shift its focus exclusively to charter and ACMI operations.
The decision follows what the carrier described as a “careful strategic review” of its business model. In a statement, Universal Air said the move was “driven by external factors beyond our control,” prompting a change in direction.
“Our decision to discontinue scheduled passenger services followed a strategic reassessment of our commercial priorities,” a statement to Aviation Week said. “While demand for niche routes showed early promise, several external factors made long-term viability increasingly difficult.”
Universal Air cited fluctuating fuel costs, limited economies of scale on thinner regional routes and rising operational overheads in a highly competitive short-haul environment. “Rather than continue under suboptimal conditions, we chose to refocus on areas of the business where the commercial fundamentals are stronger and more sustainable,” the airline added.
Universal Air was acquired in late 2021 by Andrew Walker, whose investment portfolio includes the Australian space company Equatorial Launch Australia. Under Walker’s ownership, it evolved from operating humanitarian and ad hoc charter missions to a more diversified operation that included scheduled passenger services using De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 aircraft.
Scheduled operations began in March 2024, with initial routes from Malta International Airport (MLA) to Athens, Greece; Ibiza, Spain; Palermo, Italy; and Pécs, Hungary. The network later expanded to include Corfu, Greece; Debrecen, Hungary; Nice, France; and Tripoli, Libya.
According to OAG Schedules Analyser data, Universal Air is currently operating four scheduled routes from MLA to Debrecen, Ibiza, Palermo and Tripoli. It is also offering scheduled flights between Debrecen and Leipzig, Germany.
Speaking to Aviation Week in August 2024, CEO Simon Cook described the airline’s niche strategy. “Our strategy focuses on routes that aren’t mainstream, like our first route into Pécs, Hungary, where larger carriers can’t operate due to the shorter runway,” he said. “We’re targeting regions with limited connectivity to create a unique offering.”
In a statement, Universal Air said it would now focus on business-to-business charter partnerships, targeting brokers, tour operators, corporate travel clients, sports organizations, large-scale events and government or humanitarian agencies.
“Our strength lies in providing tailored capacity solutions—especially for seasonal peaks, group travel and underserved markets. This model allows us to work directly with partners to deliver flexible, cost-effective flying that meets specific network and passenger needs,” the statement added.
Additionally, the carrier said it has ACMI and charter agreements in place for the remainder of 2025 and is in “advanced discussions” with other carriers and partners for additional summer and winter operations.
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