British Carrier Flybe Ceases Operations
Exeter-based airline Flybe announced on Saturday that it had ceased operations, canceling all flights to and from the UK, terminating trading and dismissing 276 employees.
“We are sad to announce that Flybe has been placed into administration. David Pike in Mike Pink of Interpath have been appointed administrators. Regretfully, Flybe has now ceased trading. All Flybe flights from and to the UK are canceled and will not be rescheduled,” the UK carrier said in a statement posted on its website.
The British airline, which before 2019 was one of Europe’s largest independent regional airlines, advised passengers against going to the airport unless they had arranged alternative flights with another airline.
“Please note that Flybe is unfortunately not able to arrange alternative flights for passengers,” it said.
The British carrier serviced the majority of flights out of Belfast City Airport, and from Birmingham and Heathrow to airports across the UK and to Amsterdam, Glasgow and Geneva.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed the news.
Flybe had relaunched operations last year after announcing a collapse in 2020, which cost the company some 2,400 jobs.
If you’ve booked directly with Flybe and paid a certain sum, you are advised to contact your credit card company for guidance and if you booked through a travel agent, contact them directly.
Meanwhile, according to Reuters, British Airways, Ryanair and easyJet are offering ‘rescue fares’ to travelers who’ve booked with Flybe.