Kenai Aviation, a regional Alaskan carrier known for connecting remote communities, has announced an immediate halt to all operations after becoming financially insolvent.

In an emotional letter to employees and customers, owner Joel Caldwell revealed that despite full flights and operational success, the airline’s heavy debt load—dating back to the pandemic—has forced it to cease service.

He said the company’s bank has called its debt, leaving no choice but to stop flights immediately.

Grounded — For now

Caldwell reflected on how he saved Kenai Aviation in 2017, after hearing that the historic airline was about to shut down.

“I was sitting at my kitchen table in Kenai when I received the call that Jim Bielefeld was just about to finalize shutting down Kenai Aviation, but if I wanted

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