Flybe, one of the UK’s favourite regional airlines, entered Administration today, the 5th of March 2020. All flights have been grounded and the UK business has ceased trading with immediate effect.
Whilst the airline was struggling anyway, they partially blame a drop in travel on the Coronavirus scare. The collapse of Flybe will have a significant impact on travellers in Exeter, Newquay and (my local airport) Southampton where they ran the majority of their flights from and to. For many in the ecommerce world, it was the default way to travel to event from the south or Devon and Cornwall, faster than the train and relatively cheap and convenient, Flybe will be missed.
If you are due to fly with Flybe, the company advise you NOT to travel to the airport unless you have arranged an alternative flight with another airline. Flybe is unfortunately not able to arrange alternative flights for passengers.
If you have a booking sold by another airline that includes travel on a Flybe flight, you are advised to contact the relevant airline or travel agent to confirm if there is any impact to your travel plans.
As a majority of Flybe customers will have purchased their flight direct, they are unlikely to be covered by ATOL. If that’s you, your credit or debit card company may be in a position to refund you, or if you have travel insurance contact your provider. Customers are also advised to monitor the Civil Aviation Authority website for further information.
Getting home if you at stranded due to Flybe entering administration
If you are stranded, Britain’s train operators have agreed to provide free travel to Flybe staff and customers who are unable to travel over the next week. You should should show proof of their employment or planned journey (such as employee ID, boarding card or flight confirmation) to operator staff at the most appropriate railway station.
“We know how distressing the news about Flybe is for their staff and customers which is why train operators have arranged free travel to help them get to their destinations.”
– Robert Nisbet, Director of Nations and Regions, Rail Delivery Group, on behalf of train operators
“This is a sad day for UK aviation and we know that Flybe’s decision to stop trading will be very distressing for all of its employees and customers. We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Flybe flights are cancelled. For the latest advice, Flybe customers should visit the CAA website or the CAA’s Twitter feed for more information.
Flybe also operated a number of codeshare partnerships with international airlines. If you have an international ticket you should make contact with that airline to confirm your travel arrangements.”
– Richard Moriarty Chief Executive, UK Civil Aviation Authority
