ATA Airlines Shuts Down

Indianapolis, IN (AHN) - ATA Airlines filed for Chapter 11 Wednesday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Indianapolis. ATA said they would discontinued all operations.

A key military charter contract made it impossible to continue operations, the airline said.

ATA apologized for the disruption caused by its sudden shutdown and the impact on passengers, employees, suppliers and other parties. The airline, in a statement, said ATA customers should "seek alternative operations for current and future travel." They released a list airlines serving the same destinations as ATA.

Passengers who have purchased a ticket from ATA should contact their credit card company or travel agent. If the ticket was bought directly though ATA by check or cash, ATA said passenger should file a claim.

ATA had between 11 and 15 daily flights (80 weekly) to Hawaii from Phoenix, Oakland, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. ATA's flights flew directly to Honolulu, Maui, Hilo and Lihue.

ATA has been in operation since 1973 and has 2,230 employees. They had emerged from bankruptcy reorganization in February 2006.