Spain’s number four airline, Spanair, has ceased operations as of the end of January. This is not only a blow for customers of Spanair, but also for members of the Star Alliance. The airline provided a good inventory for awards and service to Spain. Qatar Airways had been in talks to buy the struggling airline but pulled back. The airline ceased operations with no mention of SpanairStar members on their website, leaving them to ask about what happens with their points, what happens if you were a Silver or Gold member and had matching status in the Star Alliance and other questions. The Star Alliance website also held no answers for SpanairStar members.

Bottom line: It looks as though the airline is gone, never to return, and the same is unfortunately true for the points and status that members had earned through the program.