On February 11th 2018, a Saratov Airlines (Russia) Antonov AN-148-100 was climbing out of Moscow Domodedovo Airport and reached a maximum altitude of 6,000 feet when radar and radio contact was lost. The aircraft was found a short time later, having impacted ground in an open field approximately 18 nautical miles Southeast of Moscow. All on board had sustained fatal injuries and the aircraft was destroyed. An investigation has been launched by The Interstate Aviation Committee (MAK) and Rosaviatsia. As a result of this fatal accident, Russian authorities refused to renew the airline’s Air Operators Certificate forcing it to cease all operations.

UK based carrier, Monarch Airlines, announced on the 2nd of October that it would be ceasing all operations effective immediately. The airline reportedly failed to secure a renewed Air Travel Organisers Licence and as a result, was forced to stop flights. A number of bodies have expressed interest in purchasing the now defunct carrier and its airport slots The UK Civil Aviation Authority has stated the primary focus at this time is the repatriation of over 100,000 passengers stranded overseas due to the cessation of services.

The entire board of members of state carrier; Air Vanuatu, were reportedly dismissed at the end of August. The airline has been undergoing a period of intense restructuring since early 2016 which has resulted in the implementation of a number of cost cutting measures. The airline has also recently secured an additional government loan of USD 3.8 million. No direct reason was given for the removal of the board members.