What initially was announced for December 2025 was postponed several times: first to February 2026, then May 2026 and most recently October. It now appears to be clear that Fischer Air will no longer take off from Kassel Airport in Calden. The airline owned by Czech-German businessman Václav Fischer is insolvent. At the same time, prosecutors in Hamburg have filed charges against the 71-year-old.
Planned Relaunch in Kassel
Fischer Air had planned to operate flights from the northern Hessian airport to holiday destinations such as Mallorca and Crete. Together with a new tour operator, the airline was supposed to bring regular holiday flights back to Kassel.The first flights were originally scheduled to begin in December 2025. However, Fischer Air did not yet have the required operating licence at the time. Despite this, passengers were already able to book flights. No scheduled passenger flight from Kassel ever took place.
Instead, the planned launch was postponed several times. December was followed by February, then May and finally October 2026. That date is now also off the table.
Problems with Cancelled Flights and Refunds
The repeated postponements also caused problems for passengers. Earlier this year, Hessenschau reported on customers whose booked and paid-for flights had been cancelled and who were sometimes still waiting for refunds. In one case, the amount involved was almost €700, while another passenger was waiting for around €1,200.
As uncertainty over the launch date grew, Václav Fischer repeatedly commented on the situation himself. Among other things, he claimed that an organised group was attempting to obstruct his preparations. His claim that two Boeing 737-800s belonging to his companies had been stolen in connection with a fraud case attracted particular attention.
Company Insolvent – Proceedings Rejected due to Lack of Assets
It is now clear that the company behind Fischer Air is insolvent. However, according to the competent local court in Hamburg, regular insolvency proceedings will not be opened. The reason is apparently that the company does not have sufficient assets to cover the costs of insolvency proceedings.
The court rejected the opening of proceedings due to a lack of assets, known in German as “mangels Masse”. For creditors, this makes the prospects of recovering outstanding claims even more difficult.
Charges Against Václav Fischer
At the same time, Václav Fischer is facing criminal proceedings. Hamburg prosecutors have filed charges on suspicion of commercial fraud.According to the prosecution, the case involves three completed and 29 attempted cases of commercial fraud. Among other allegations, the case concerns allegedly obtaining short-time work benefits unlawfully and claiming back social security contributions even though the contributions had allegedly not previously been paid.
These are allegations made by the prosecution. The charges themselves do not establish Fischer’s criminal responsibility, which has yet to be determined by a court.
Kassel Airport has responded cautiously to the latest developments. Managing Director Lars Ernst told Hessenschau that there is currently no contact with Fischer. The airport was not aware of any potentially criminal conduct, he said. In March, Ernst had already told HNA, referring to Fischer’s actions:
“He is harming himself and the airport.”
The planned comeback of Fischer Air in Kassel therefore appears to be over before the first scheduled passenger flight could even take place.
The originally announced holiday flights to Mallorca, Crete and other destinations will not take off. Instead of a relaunch, the story ends with repeatedly postponed flight schedules, frustrated customers, an insolvency and ongoing criminal proceedings.
