UK airline Flybe has gone into administration, putting 2,000 jobs at risk and affected thousands of travellers, after a bid for fresh financial support failed.
The announcement came in the early hours of this morning. Flybe said the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on demand for air travel was partly to blame for its collapse, but the company has been in deep trouble for some time.
Flybe, which was the UK’s biggest regional airline, has advised customers NOT to travel to the airport unless they have arranged an alternative flight.
The UK Government issued a statement at 3.35 this morning. A spokesperson said: “Following a commercial decision by the company, Flybe has ceased trading.
“We recognise the impact this will have on Flybe’s passengers and staff. Government staff will be on hand at all affected UK airports to help passengers.
“The vast majority of Flybe routes are served by different transport options, and we have asked bus and train operators to accept Flybe tickets and other airlines to offer reduced rescue fares to ensure passengers can make their journeys as smoothly as possible.
“We know this will be a worrying time for Flybe staff and our Jobcentre Plus Rapid Response Service stands ready to help them find a new job as soon as possible.
“We are working closely with industry to minimise any disruption to routes operated by Flybe, including by looking urgently at how routes not already covered by other airlines can be re-established by the industry.
“Through the reviews of regional connectivity and Airport Passenger Duty we have announced, we will bring forward recommendations to help ensure that the whole of the UK has the connections in place that people rely on.
“Flybe’s financial difficulties were longstanding and well documented and pre-date the outbreak of COVID-19. We are well prepared a potential outbreak and this week we have set out an action plan with details of our response.”
Rory Boland, Which? Travel editor, said: “This will be terrible news to Flybe passengers, many of whom were loyal customers and used the airline regularly.
“Unlike Thomas Cook’s collapse, most people flying Flybe won’t have Atol protection so the government is unlikely to step in and repatriate those abroad or provide refunds.
“Instead passengers with travel insurance should check if their policy includes scheduled operator failure cover.
“Alternately, those who booked tickets costing more than £100 with a credit card will be able to claim from their credit card provider. If the tickets were under £100 or booked with a debit card, passengers can try to use chargeback from their bank or card provider.”
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