Consumerist reader Chris is just one of many whose spring break plans have just gone straight to travelers’ hell after discount airline Direct Air announced they’re suspending all flights for at least two months, until May 15.

Chris wrote that he was due to fly out March 19 on the airline, so this shutdown is putting quite a damper on his family’s spring sojourn.

As the Associated Press reports, via Boston.com, the five-year-old airline abruptly shut down yesterday afternoon, apparently because they couldn’t pay a fuel bill. Customers were told to contact their credit card companies for refunds on tickets that are now useless.

Some customers were told that only flight vouchers were available when they asked about refunds. Vouchers for an airline that may or may not survive? No thanks.

On Direct Air‘s website, they’ve posted the following statement:

Direct Air finds it necessary to suspend flight operation from Tuesday, March 13, 2012 until May 15, 2012. This decision was made to address operational matters. We are currently evaluating strategic alternatives for Direct Air.

Direct Air is committed to our passengers, employees, and the communities we serve.

Please check back here for more details.

Very Truly Yours,
Direct Air

Update: Chris writes, “Visa is refusing to issue a refund since the purchase was made over 60 days ago.”

This is whole situation is pretty unheard of — the airline that issued the tickets should be held responsible for issuing refunds.

Direct Air suspends flights for at least 2 months [Boston.com]

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