Regional aviation plays a critical role in connecting smaller communities to national and international hubs. In Sweden, a geographically vast country with dispersed population centers, regional airlines have long provided essential connectivity. Nextjet Airlines was once one of the country’s largest regional carriers, operating short-haul domestic routes and select international services before its collapse in 2018.
This profile examines Nextjet’s history, operations, fleet, network structure, financial challenges, and ultimate bankruptcy. It also evaluates the broader impact on Sweden’s regional aviation market.
Overview of Nextjet Airlines
Nextjet Airlines was a Swedish regional airline focused primarily on short-haul domestic routes and select international flights to neighboring countries. The carrier operated frequent services into Stockholm Arlanda Airport, serving as a bridge between smaller communities and Sweden’s primary aviation hub.
Key outcomes in the airline’s lifecycle include:
Temporary loss of operating licence in 2017 due to financial concerns
A suspected sabotage incident that disrupted operations
Bankruptcy filing on 16 May 2018
Failed relaunch efforts following acquisition
Despite attempts to revive operations, the airline never resumed scheduled services.
Nextjet Flights Overview
Nextjet’s network strategy centered on domestic connectivity and regional international routes.
Primary Operational Focus
Short-haul domestic routes within Sweden, including northern cities
Frequent connections to Stockholm Arlanda Airport, the main hub
Supplemental operations from Stockholm Bromma
Contracted flights operated on behalf of partner carriers
Select international flights to cities in Finland and Norway
The airline mainly operated domestic flights to several Swedish cities, including Gothenburg, Luleå, Stockholm, Sundsvall, Visby, and Hemavan. Many of these domestic routes were subsidized by the Swedish government to maintain critical regional connectivity.
The airline frequently operated seasonal routes and low-density services. Many of these were supported by public-service contracts designed to maintain air connectivity in remote areas.
Alternative airlines now operate similar flights to those once served by Nextjet, filling the market gap left after its collapse.
Nextjet as a Swedish Regional Airline
Founded to improve regional accessibility, Nextjet positioned itself as a full-service carrier linking northern Swedish cities with Stockholm. In addition to scheduled flights, it also provided charter and taxi services.
Strategic Positioning
Headquartered in Frösundavik in Solna Municipality, just north of Stockholm
Focused on linking underserved communities, especially in the north
Ranked among Sweden’s larger regional carriers during its peak
The company relied on a mixed ownership structure that included private investors and regional stakeholders. Its operational model depended heavily on government-subsidized routes.
History and Timeline
Early Expansion
Nextjet was founded in 2002 by Magnus Ivarsson during a period of restructuring within Scandinavian aviation. The airline started operations with a single Saab 340A in its fleet and expanded throughout the decade by adding regional turboprop aircraft suited to short, thin routes.
NextJet operated the following aircraft: its primary fleet comprised Saab 340 and BAe ATP aircraft, with later additions of CRJ200.
The strategy emphasized:
Rapid network growth
Fleet expansion through leased aircraft, including Saab 340 and BAe ATP aircraft
Acquisition of public-service contracts
By 2010, Nextjet was the largest regional airline in Sweden, serving over 20 domestic destinations.
Financial Struggles
By the mid-2010s, the airline began experiencing financial instability. Rising operating costs, competitive pressures, and reliance on subsidy contracts strained its business model. The decline in domestic travel following Nextjet's bankruptcy was further exacerbated by the rise of the "flight shaming" movement and the introduction of a new aviation tax in Sweden.
In 2012, Nextjet started to experience financial difficulties due to competition and economic downturn. In 2017, the airline temporarily lost its operating licence due to concerns regarding financial viability. Although it resumed operations after regulatory review, the incident signaled deeper structural challenges.
Sabotage Incident and Collapse
Shortly before its bankruptcy filing, Nextjet reported a suspected sabotage incident involving aircraft damage. While investigations followed, the event disrupted schedules and further weakened public confidence.
On 16 May 2018, the airline filed for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy resulted in significant disruption of regional travel in Sweden, leading to the immediate cancellation of flights and leaving many passengers stranded. The collapse also led to the isolation of remote areas with limited transportation options, particularly in Northern Sweden.
Assets were later acquired by investors who attempted a relaunch under a revised structure, but scheduled services were never restored.
Nextjet officially ceased operations in October 2018 and sold all of its assets.
Fleet and Aircraft Types
Nextjet operated a fleet tailored to short regional sectors.
Turboprop Aircraft
Regional Jets
Fleet composition evolved in response to:
The mixture of turboprops and regional jets reflected efforts to balance operating costs with passenger capacity needs.
Regional Contracting and Subsidies
A significant portion of Nextjet’s revenue is derived from Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts issued by Swedish authorities.
Importance of Subsidies
Supported routes are not commercially viable
Ensured connectivity for remote communities
Reduced financial risk in low-demand sectors
Winning or losing PSO contracts directly affected the airline’s financial stability. Route tender cycles created periodic uncertainty in revenue projections.
The dependence on subsidies highlighted broader challenges in Sweden’s regional aviation ecosystem, where many thin routes require government support.
Destinations and Network (Nextjet Flights)
Nextjet’s network focused primarily on Sweden but also included select international destinations.
Core Swedish Cities
International Services
The airline operated limited cross-border services to nearby cities in Finland and Norway.
Contract Operations
Nextjet also flew on behalf of partner airlines, including operations from Mariehamn in the Åland Islands.
Route density fluctuated seasonally. Summer schedules often included additional flights to tourist destinations such as Visby, while winter schedules were reduced to core connectivity routes.
Services, Fares, and Baggage
Nextjet historically offered tiered fare options and baggage policies to accommodate different passenger needs.
Fare Categories
Light fares – Lower price, limited flexibility, no free checked baggage
Standard fares – Greater flexibility, include one checked bag up to 20 kg
Flex fares – Maximum changeability, include two checked bags up to 23 kg each
Business Class tickets offered additional benefits, including two pieces of checked baggage and two carry-on bags.
Baggage Allowances
Carry-on baggage allowance for most passengers: one piece, max 8 kg, dimensions 55 x 40 x 23 cm
Business Class passengers are allowed two carry-on pieces with the same weight and size restrictions
Check-in, Boarding, and Airport Procedures
Nextjet followed standard regional airline procedures.
Passengers could access online check-in options for added convenience, allowing them to check in before arriving at the airport.
NextJet check-in desks typically opened 1-2 hours before departure and closed 30-45 minutes before takeoff, so passengers were advised to arrive within this window to complete check-in and drop off baggage.
Boarding usually began shortly after check-in closed, and passengers were required to present valid identification and their boarding pass.
Check-In Options
Boarding policies aligned with the operational requirements of turboprop aircraft, which require efficient turnaround times.
Onboard Experience and In-Flight Entertainment
In-flight entertainment options on Nextjet airlines depended on the type of aircraft being used, and passengers could access available entertainment features accordingly.
Given its regional focus, Nextjet emphasized practicality over premium amenities.
Cabin Features
Turboprop aircraft generally lacked individual seat-back screens
Some flights used overhead displays for shared content
Seating density reflected regional transport economics
Catering
On short flights (under 1 hour), no complimentary food or drink service was provided
On longer flights (over 1 hour), some complimentary snacks and drinks were offered
Business Class passengers could enjoy a more substantial snack or light meal, as well as complimentary alcoholic beverages
Business Class also featured wider leather seats with more legroom, dedicated check-in and boarding, and priority baggage handling.
Cabin experience differed between turboprops and regional jets, with CRJ200 aircraft offering slightly longer-range comfort.
Safety, Regulation, and Incidents
Regulatory compliance is central to European aviation operations.
Nextjet faced regulatory scrutiny in 2017 related to financial stability requirements set by authorities. The temporary licence suspension underscored the importance of capital adequacy in maintaining an Air Operator Certificate.
The suspected sabotage event added operational instability. While details were limited, the incident compounded financial strain.
The bankruptcy filing in May 2018 formally ended scheduled operations.
Competitors and Market Alternatives
Following Nextjet’s collapse, several carriers moved to fill capacity gaps.
Replacement Operators
Larger Nordic carriers expanded regional coverage
Independent regional airlines assumed PSO contracts
Tender processes reassigned subsidized routes
Alternative airlines now operate similar flights to those once served by Nextjet.
The Swedish regional market remains competitive and highly sensitive to contract allocations.
Legacy and Impact on Regional Connectivity
Nextjet played a meaningful role in connecting smaller Swedish towns to Stockholm and beyond.
Key Contributions
Sustained connectivity for remote communities
Supported tourism in seasonal destinations
Facilitated business travel to regional centers
However, its collapse highlighted vulnerabilities in subsidy-dependent route economics.
Communities affected by the bankruptcy experienced temporary service disruptions until replacement operators were appointed.
The episode prompted a review of regional air service frameworks within Sweden.
Data Sources and Further Reading
Information regarding Nextjet’s regulatory status and financial events can be found through:
Swedish Transport Agency records
Bankruptcy filings from May 2018
Industry analysis from CAPA – Centre for Aviation
Regional aviation trade publications
These sources provide additional context on fleet data, route allocations, and regulatory developments.
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Final Thoughts
Nextjet Airlines illustrates both the importance and fragility of regional aviation in geographically expansive markets like Sweden. While the airline expanded rapidly in the early 2000s, its heavy reliance on public-service contracts and exposure to financial instability ultimately led to its collapse.
For today’s aviation stakeholders, the Nextjet case underscores several lessons:
Sustainable capital structure is essential
Diversified revenue reduces reliance on subsidies
Operational resilience is critical in thin-margin markets
Regional airlines remain vital to connectivity across Europe. However, long-term viability depends on careful route economics, disciplined fleet management, and regulatory compliance.
For those evaluating aviation investments, ownership structures, or private aviation solutions, understanding cases like Nextjet provides valuable insight into the operational realities of commercial aviation markets.
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