Major airline files for bankruptcy, travelers unlikely to get refunds

A major airline in Europe that flies internationally recently filed for bankruptcy and is liquidating its assets.

Air Belgium was declared bankrupt by the local Walloon Brabant court on April 30, 2025.

The international airline experienced many financial hardships since the COVID pandemic began. The company announced in 2023 that it would cancel all remaining passenger flights in September of that year, according to a press release from the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association.

Since suspending all passenger flights, the airline continued to downsize its cargo aircraft and workforce.

The airline once flew out of Newark Liberty International Airport, according to Air Belgium’s website.

If you flew this airline, here’s what you need to know about whether or not you can get a refund.

Will I get a refund if I flew Air Belgium?

According to the ECTAA, there are approximately 8 million Euro in passenger refund claims that have yet to be resolved.

A French logistics company took over the airline’s cargo business and saved 124 jobs, but the rest of Air Belgium will be formally shut down and its assets liquidated to the point where no money will be left for refunds.

“Thousands of passengers are unlikely to receive refunds for their cancelled flights, with the remaining claims now part of the bankruptcy proceedings,” the press release from the ECTAA stated.

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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.