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Slovakia’s AirExplore Ceases Operations After 16 Years, Seeks AOC Surrender

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Aviation Today News Desk

Bratislava, Slovakia: Slovakian ACMI and charter operator AirExplore has ceased operations after 16 years, bringing an end to its flying activities on 10 November 2026. The airline confirmed the development in an announcement on its official website, stating that it had also submitted a request to surrender its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). AirExplore did not provide a reason for the shutdown in its announcement. The company thanked its employees, customers and business partners for their support over the years but did not disclose further details about the closure or the status of its remaining operations. The shutdown follows a difficult financial year for the airline. According to its 2025 financial statements filed with Slovakia's Ministry of Finance, AirExplore recorded a net loss of €22.43 million, compared with a loss of €11.99 million in 2024. Its revenue also declined from €117.81 million to €108.57 million during the same period. The financial figures provide context to the airline's position, although the company has not confirmed that its losses led to the decision to cease operations. Founded in 2008, AirExplore began its aviation operations in 2010 with a Boeing 737-400 before developing its ACMI and charter business. Its services included providing aircraft and operational support to other airlines through wet lease arrangements. The company was part of Avia Solutions Group, which acquired it in June 2023. The surrender of its AOC marks a significant development for the Slovak aviation operator. The certificate is required for an airline to conduct commercial air transport operations. AirExplore's announcement confirms that it has requested to surrender the certificate, although the completion of that process remains subject to the relevant aviation authority.
Bratislava, Slovakia: Slovakian ACMI and charter operator AirExplore has ceased operations after 16 years, bringing an end to its flying activities on 10 November 2026. The airline confirmed the development in an announcement on its official website, stating that it had also submitted a request to surrender its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
AirExplore did not provide a reason for the shutdown in its announcement. The company thanked its employees, customers and business partners for their support over the years but did not disclose further details about the closure or the status of its remaining operations.
The shutdown follows a difficult financial year for the airline. According to its 2025 financial statements filed with Slovakia's Ministry of Finance, AirExplore recorded a net loss of €22.43 million, compared with a loss of €11.99 million in 2024. Its revenue also declined from €117.81 million to €108.57 million during the same period. The financial figures provide context to the airline's position, although the company has not confirmed that its losses led to the decision to cease operations.
Founded in 2008, AirExplore began its aviation operations in 2010 with a Boeing 737-400 before developing its ACMI and charter business. Its services included providing aircraft and operational support to other airlines through wet lease arrangements. The company was part of Avia Solutions Group, which acquired it in June 2023.
The surrender of its AOC marks a significant development for the Slovak aviation operator. The certificate is required for an airline to conduct commercial air transport operations. AirExplore's announcement confirms that it has requested to surrender the certificate, although the completion of that process remains subject to the relevant aviation authority.
Image: AirExplore

Bratislava, Slovakia: Slovakian ACMI and charter operator AirExplore has ceased operations after 16 years, bringing an end to its flying activities on 10 November 2026. The airline confirmed the development in an announcement on its official website, stating that it had also submitted a request to surrender its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

AirExplore did not provide a reason for the shutdown in its announcement. The company thanked its employees, customers and business partners for their support over the years but did not disclose further details about the closure or the status of its remaining operations.

The shutdown follows a difficult financial year for the airline. According to its 2025 financial statements filed with Slovakia’s Ministry of Finance, AirExplore recorded a net loss of €22.43 million, compared with a loss of €11.99 million in 2024. Its revenue also declined from €117.81 million to €108.57 million during the same period. The financial figures provide context to the airline’s position, although the company has not confirmed that its losses led to the decision to cease operations.

Founded in 2008, AirExplore began its aviation operations in 2010 with a Boeing 737-400 before developing its ACMI and charter business. Its services included providing aircraft and operational support to other airlines through wet lease arrangements. The company was part of Avia Solutions Group, which acquired it in June 2023.

The surrender of its AOC marks a significant development for the Slovak aviation operator. The certificate is required for an airline to conduct commercial air transport operations. AirExplore’s announcement confirms that it has requested to surrender the certificate, although the completion of that process remains subject to the relevant aviation authority.

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