Russia’s second largest airline, cash-strapped Transaero, is to be grounded due to fears that its debts will lead to a compromise of passenger safety.
The Russian transport minister has announced that the airline’s operating certificate has been cancelled from October 26.
Passengers with Transaero tickets will have to use Aeroflot or other Russian carriers.
Economy minister Alexei Ulyukayev warned earlier this month that the airline faced bankruptcy after Aeroflot pulled out of a deal to buy a controlling stake in the carrier for the symbolic sum of 1 ruble.
Transaero, founded 25 years ago, filed for brankruptcy on October 1 after the civil aviation authority ordered it to stop selling tickets.
It has 106 mainly long-haul Boeing aircraft and employs 10,000 people.
The UK Foreign Office said those booked on a Transaero flight should contact their airline or travel agent.
