Equatorial Congo Airlines was ordered into immediate liquidation by France's Commercial Court of Bobigny on 18 April 2018, effectively ending its operations in France despite its aircraft being grounded since October 2016.

ECAir faces claims of unpaid salaries in France, which led to the court action.

The ruling is said to not be enforceable in the Republic of Congo, where the carrier is based, according to the airline's attorney, who added the carrier has already appealed and applied for a stay of execution regarding the decision.

This decision comes as talks with Ethiopian Airlines over a partnership or minority interest are set to conclude. No further details on the reported deal was disclosed.