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The Air Explore shutdown was initiated Nov. 10, 2026, when the Bratislava-based wet-leasing brokers ceased operating and submitted their application to return their Air Operator Certificate. There was no warning system in place in advance. Aviation says only employees, partners and customers were given a nod of thanks by management. The news was first reported by Direct. The next thing that is easy to ask those who flew and served on those aircraft is: what happens next?
Quick Facts
- Shutdown date: November 10, 2026
- Base: Bratislava, Slovakia
- Business model: ACMI wet-lease and charter services
- Founded: 2010; since June 2023, a part of Avia Solutions Group (ASG)
- Affected staff: pilots, cabin crew and administrative staff.
- Flight disruption: No disruption to flights this winter: only a few charter contracts were in operation
What Led to the Air Explore Shutdown
Air Explore started its operations on Boeing 737 Classic aircraft and later on 737-800s and provided crew capacity to Ryanair, Norwegian and Germania Airlines. The demand was very high during summer and winter, and there were long periods of low demand in between. More expensive labour, insurance and spare parts, and delays in engine maintenance due to replacement parts added to the squeeze. Nothing could alter that, even an effort to use converted 737-800 freighters in air freight.
Why Running the Slovak Unit Stopped Making Sense
Following the acquisition of Avia Solutions Group, the aircraft and capacity were gradually transferred to the aircraft and capacity certificates of sister companies in other EU countries. It was not economical to maintain the Slovak operation as a stand-alone. In other words, the work didn’t disappear: it changed. That is something that is important for the crew who were left behind in Bratislava.
What Happens to Pilots and Cabin Crew Now
There is no official word yet on whether offers have been made to take over any other group companies. In reality, staff could end up in one of three situations: They may be moved to another group airline; They may be made redundant; They may be looking for alternative employment. Type-rated 737 pilots without a job may have more flexibility, as there is always a need for 737 captains and first officers in Europe. The issues with cabin crew jobs are more pronounced as they are harder to transfer into and recruitment takes longer.
Employee Rights After the Air Explore Shutdown
The first step is to confirm, in writing, the basic details to any person affected: Final pay, accrued leave and/or notice period. Most states and countries have rules that enable workers to claim when the employer has closed, and many countries have wage-guarantee systems for unpaid wages after the closure of the airline. Crew need to review the termination conditions of their contract, inquire whether they will receive severance and apply for unemployment benefits as soon as possible. Due to different rules across countries of residence and contract, entitlements can only be confirmed by a local labour office or union.
Practical Steps for Affected Crew
- Ask for an employment verification letter and termination dates.
- Maintain copies of contracts, payslips, flight hour records and licences.
- Contact the Avia Solutions Group about redeployment positions.
- Ensure licences/medicals/type ratings are kept up to date, for applications to remain ready.
- Become a member of job sites and recruiters that specialise in aviation.
The Bigger Picture
The Air Explore shutdown is part of an ongoing trend of further consolidation in the European wet-leasing sector in which large specialists continue to thrive. It’s the loss of a regional player for Bratislava Airport. The next few weeks will be the deciding factor for its crew as to whether it is a transfer story or one of aviation industry job cuts.
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