AirBaltic filed for Chapter 11 restructuring in September 2026

airBaltic voluntarily sought Chapter 11 protection in New York on September 14, 2026, as it attempted to restructure its debt amid higher costs linked by the company and reporting to the Iran war-related aviation crisis. [2][3]

The airline said it had secured commitments for €350 million in debtor-in-possession financing from lenders including Strategic Value Partners, Barclays, Hayfin Capital Management, Morgan Stanley and Oaktree Capital Management. The financing remained subject to court approval and carried an interest rate of about 12%. [1][2][3]

For passengers, airBaltic said scheduled flights would continue, existing tickets and reservations would remain valid, and refunds, vouchers, gift cards, baggage claims and service credits would continue under existing policies. [1]

The airline planned to seek court approval for the financing and begin negotiations with creditors and aircraft lessors. It expected the restructuring to be completed by June of the following year while maintaining scheduled flights. [1][3]

The restructuring plan included potentially deferring or cancelling aircraft deliveries under a $3.5 billion order for 40 Airbus planes, reducing wet-lease operations and discussing workforce adjustments with unions. airBaltic employs more than 3,000 people. [3]