Isavia said in a statement on its website that the action was a “final resource to ensure payment for services already provided”. The statement acknowledged that the decision would have adverse effects for passengers flying with the company.
Air Berlin filed for bankruptcy in August after months of rumours about financial troubles. The airline has said that it will not fly any services after October 28th.
According to the online portal Turisti.is, the plane was on the way to Düsseldorf and three passengers were left stranded by the decision. It is also reportedly only the second time that Icelandic authorities have seized a plane.
A spokesperson for Isavia would not tell The Local the size of the debt owed by Air Berlin. He would only comment that “we will see what we see” on how the company could get its jet back.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- The Icelandic airport operator Isavia on Thursday refused to let a plane belonging to Air Berlin take off, due to the bankrupt German airline still owing them money.
- Isavia said in a statement on its website that the action was a “final resource to ensure payment for services already provided”.
- A spokesperson for Isavia would not tell The Local the size of the debt owed by Air Berlin.
