Global Airlines has been ordered into compulsory liquidation following a winding-up petition.
The UK startup, which planned to use a fleet of Airbus A380 planes, was formally ordered to wind up by the Insolvency and Companies Court on Wednesday, November 4.
The winding-up petition was originally filed in May, with several hearings held in the following months, including the most recent in October.
The Gazette published the notice on Thursday, November 12, confirming the order.
Former company directors Tom Stokely and Prashant Uttamchandani joined the case as supporting creditors and were represented by the law firm Katten Muchin Rosenman.
With the order now in place, an officer of the court—known as the official receiver—has taken control of winding up the company.
Government guidelines state that once a winding-up order is issued, the company’s bank accounts are typically frozen and its assets sold off to repay creditors.
Companies have the right to apply for cancellation of a winding-up order within five working days if they believe the action is unwarranted.
As of the latest update, Global Airlines is still listed as active on Companies House, though its most recent accounts are overdue.
Global Airlines has been contacted by Newsquest for comment.
What was Global Airlines?
Global Airlines Limited operated as a virtual airline with ambitions to operate a fleet of four Airbus A380 aircraft.
The company, which was founded in 2019, acquired its only aircraft in May 2023, and claimed to be the first new A380 owner in eight years.
Its maiden flight, operated under a damp lease from Hi Fly Malta, flew from Glasgow to New York-JFK on May 15, 2025.
After completing just four transatlantic flights, the aircraft was placed into long-term storage in Tarbes, France, on July 16, 2025, with no known return-to-service date.
Discussing its vision for the company, Global Airlines shared: "We want to deliver the Best Way to Fly.
"And whether flying Global Traveller, Business or First, we believe we will.
"Flying to a variety of destinations all over the world, we will breathe new life into onboard product and service, working with some amazing brands, delivering genuine value for money for our passengers.
"And by embracing the latest technology and deploying it across every touch point, we can work smarter and deliver a Global experience that is unique to you."
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Other UK travel companies that have closed or entered administration/liquidation in 2026
Several UK travel companies have ceased trading or entered administration in 2026, including:
- Regen Central Ltd
- Gold Crest Holidays
- Asiara UK Ltd
- Simply Florida Travel Ltd
- Trav Expert Ltd
- Strachan Travel Ltd
- Travel Bespoke Ltd
- Global Vision International
- Ski Yodl Ltd
- TS Travels Group
- Yourtravelshop.com
- TS Travel Realisations Ltd
- Firefly Holidays
- Fraser Travel Ltd
- Golf Villa Rentals Ltd
- Barnes Worldwide Travel Ltd
- Global Travel Partners
- Wroxham Travel
Meanwhile, four UK airlines have fallen into administration or liquidation:
- Ascend Airways (liquidation)
- EcoJet Airlines (liquidation)
- Zenith Aviation Limited (administration)
- European Cargo (administration)
Wayfairer Travel Limited has also suspended all services "until further notice" as it looks to appoint an administrator.
Have you been on a Global Airlines flight before? Let us know in the comments.
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