All flights cancelled as UK airline in administration

The entire fleet of UK chartered airline Zenith Aviation Limited has been grounded.

The airline is described as a leading provider of private jet charter, aircraft management, and engineering services across the UK and Europe.

Paul Hargreaves, of Nexus Corporate Solutions Limited, was appointed administrator to the company which had its main base at London Biggin Hill.

UK airline collapses into administration with all flights cancelled (Image: Zenith Aviation)

The administrator said there was hope the business could be rescued or sold.

He said: “I was appointed administrator of the company on May 15, 2026 by the director, and the company is in an insolvent position due to cashflow issues, debtors not paying, and historic ownership and management issues.”

He added: “It is unfortunate for the company and the former employees, however, we are assessing the assets of the company, assisting employees with claiming their statutory redundancy entitlements, and looking at options to include potential rescue, or buyout should that be appropriate.

“At this time we are still assessing the company's position, and evaluating the options.”

The company was acquired early last year by Opul Jets, which was then listed as having ceased having control of the firm in December.

The Opul acquisition included Zenith’s UK-issued Air Operator Certificate, the managed fleet of registered aircraft and a fully accredited maintenance facility.

The news comes as insolvencies have shown an increase.

New figures released on Tuesday showed that the number of registered company insolvencies in England and Wales was 2,085 in April 2026, 3% higher than the same month the previous year, when it was 2,028.

In Scotland in April 2026, there were 107 company insolvencies registered in Scotland, 6% higher than the number for the same month in 2025.

Sonia Jordan, president of UK restructuring trade body R3 and partner at Knights, said of the wider position: “Insolvency numbers always reflect a range of underlying factors and while we have seen welcome economic growth in the first quarter of the year, the current environment remains challenging for businesses and households alike.

“Ongoing geopolitical conflict, coupled with economic and political uncertainty closer to home, is creating an unpredictable backdrop at a time when stability is badly needed.”