Island Air History
Island Air permanently ceased operations in 2017. This page is a historical and informational record — there are no current fares or flights to book.
Island Air Has Ceased Operations
Island Air permanently stopped flying on November 11, 2017, after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy the previous month. It is a defunct airline — there are no current routes, fares, or flights to search or book. This page exists purely as a historical and informational reference.
Passengers who held existing reservations at the time of the shutdown were accommodated on a standby basis by Hawaiian Airlines, which remains the leading carrier for inter-island Hawaii travel today.
About Island Air
Island Air (IATA: WP) was a Hawaiian inter-island carrier that operated for 37 years, connecting Honolulu to smaller Hawaiian islands as a lower-fare alternative to the larger, longer-established Hawaiian Airlines. Over nearly four decades, the airline changed ownership several times and adjusted its fleet and network, but it remained a fixture of Hawaii's inter-island travel market for most of that period.
Operating from its hub at Honolulu International Airport (HNL), Island Air served travelers looking for direct inter-island connections without going through Hawaiian Airlines. However, mounting financial pressures led the airline to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October 2017, and it was unable to find a sustainable path forward — Island Air ceased all flight operations on November 11, 2017.
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Former Hub Airport
Island Air operated from this hub before it ceased flying in 2017.
Cabin Class (Historical)
What flying Island Air looked like before the airline shut down in 2017.
Economy
- ✓Single-class cabin on regional turboprop and jet aircraft
- ✓Short inter-island hops of 20–45 minutes typical
- ✓Basic complimentary beverage service
- ✓No premium cabin offered
- ✓Positioned as a lower-fare alternative to Hawaiian Airlines
Baggage Policy (Historical Reference Only)
Island Air has not operated since 2017. This information is retained for historical interest only and has no bearing on any current travel.
| Bag / Policy | Historical Economy |
|---|---|
| Carry-on bag | Historical: 1 standard carry-on item |
| Checked baggage | Historical: fee-based, typical of short inter-island fares |
| Note | Retained for historical reference only — Island Air no longer operates or sells tickets |
What Flying With Island Air Was Like
Inter-Island Alternative
Island Air positioned itself as a lower-fare alternative to Hawaiian Airlines for hops between Honolulu and Hawaii's smaller islands.
Short Regional Flights
Most Island Air flights were quick 20–45 minute hops between islands, typical of Hawaii's inter-island travel market.
37 Years of Service
Island Air operated continuously for 37 years under a series of owners before its 2017 shutdown, making it a long-running fixture of Hawaii aviation.
How Island Air Wound Down
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing
October 2017Island Air filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October 2017 amid financial difficulties.
No Viable Path Forward
Root CauseThe airline was unable to secure the financing or restructuring needed to continue flying beyond the bankruptcy filing.
Final Shutdown
Nov 11, 2017Island Air ceased all flight operations on November 11, 2017, ending 37 years of inter-island Hawaii service.
Passengers Rebooked on Hawaiian
TransitionTravelers holding existing Island Air reservations at the time of shutdown were accommodated on a standby basis by Hawaiian Airlines.
Looking for Flights Instead of History?
- 1.Island Air is defunct — if you're researching it for historical or aviation interest, the details above reflect its real operating history.
- 2.If you need to actually book an inter-island Hawaii flight today, search Hawaiian Airlines on FareOptic — it is the modern option for travel between Honolulu and the neighbor islands.
- 3.Southwest Airlines also operates inter-island Hawaii routes and is worth comparing for current fares.
- 4.For any Hawaii trip planning, verify inter-island flight availability directly with the operating airline, since schedules and routes can change.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The history and status of Island Air, a defunct Hawaiian inter-island carrier
Is Island Air still operating?
No. Island Air permanently ceased operations on November 11, 2017, after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy the previous month. It is a defunct airline with no active fleet or booking system today.
Can I book a flight on Island Air today?
No. There are no current Island Air routes, fares, or flights to search or book. The airline shut down in 2017.
Why did Island Air shut down?
Island Air filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October 2017 amid financial difficulties, and was unable to secure a viable path to continue operating. The airline ceased all flights on November 11, 2017. Passengers who held existing reservations were accommodated on a standby basis by Hawaiian Airlines.
Where was Island Air based?
Island Air was headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, and operated from its hub at Honolulu International Airport (HNL).
What did Island Air fly?
For 37 years, Island Air operated as an inter-island carrier connecting Honolulu to Hawaii's smaller islands, positioning itself as an alternative to the larger, longer-established Hawaiian Airlines.
What is the current option for inter-island travel in Hawaii?
Hawaiian Airlines, which has its own active flight page on FareOptic, is the modern option for inter-island travel in Hawaii today. Other carriers such as Southwest Airlines also offer inter-island Hawaii routes.