A major shake-up in air travel has added unexpected stress for guests heading to the Walt Disney World Resort. Silver Airways, a regional airline servicing the Southeast and Caribbean, has officially grounded all operations as of June 11, 2025.
This move wasn’t entirely out of the blue for some. Back in March, Silver Airways had abruptly canceled all flights to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO)—a major hub for Walt Disney World travelers. No prior notice was given, and the news surprised even airport staff. Angela Stark, spokesperson for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, told WFTV, “We received notification this afternoon that, effective immediately, all departing and arriving flights with Silver Airlines are canceled.”
At the time, the airline’s sudden disappearance from MCO’s booking system created confusion. Though other destinations still appeared in its online listings, Orlando was wiped clean, leaving guests with existing travel plans in limbo. Silver’s lack of explanation only compounded the frustration.
The underlying reason may have been tied to the airline’s financial challenges. Silver Airways had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with plans to restructure and continue operations. They initially reassured customers that all existing tickets would be honored.
Unfortunately, that plan did not hold. The airline shared an official statement on its Instagram account (@flysilverairways) confirming the permanent shutdown. “Dear Silver Airways Customers. We regret to inform you that we are ceasing operations as of today, June 11, 2025,” the post reads. It further explains that although a transaction was made to sell the company’s assets to another airline group, the new ownership chose not to continue Silver’s routes in Florida, the Bahamas, or the Caribbean.
Passengers were advised, “Please do not go to the airport. All credit card purchases should be refunded through your credit card company or your travel agency.”
This latest development serves as an important reminder to theme park guests: travel logistics can be just as unpredictable as the weather. With Orlando International Airport being the main gateway to Walt Disney World, flight disruptions like these have a direct impact on guests’ vacations.
For those looking ahead to upcoming Disney visits, this is a good moment to review travel plans. Booking through larger carriers with frequent service to MCO and investing in flexible travel options or insurance can make all the difference in managing unexpected detours.
Whether your Disney vacation starts with a smooth flight or an unexpected hiccup, having a solid backup plan in place can ensure the magic isn’t lost before the fun even begins.
Did the shutdown affect your plans? Let us know your experience in the comments below.
