Two months after the UK government announced a rescue deal to save Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, the airline has collapsed. While the airline had been struggling for some time, the reduction in bookings due to coronavirus fears was the finishing blow. For over 40 years, Flybe had operated nearly 40 percent of domestic flights in the UK.
Photo: Bjoern Wylezich/Shutterstock
Flybe, Europe’s Largest Regional Airline, Collapses
So if you were booked on a Flybe flight this week, you’re out of luck. According to a tweet posted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, “Flybe has entered administration. All Flybe flights are cancelled. Please do not go to the airport as your Flybe flight will not be operating. For flights operated by franchise partners, passengers should make contact with their airline.”
Flybe has entered administration.
All Flybe flights are cancelled. Please do not go to the airport as your Flybe flight will not be operating.
For flights operated by franchise partners, passengers should make contact with their airline.#Flybe pic.twitter.com/O9vQ7mvnR8
— UK Civil Aviation Authority (@UK_CAA) March 5, 2020
Flybe staff and passengers booked on a Flybe flight are being offered free travel by all First Rail train operators. EasyJet has also offered special rescue fares for passengers and free flights for Flybe staff to return home.
Transportation Secretary Grant Shapps tweeted that in the wake of Flybe’s collapse, the government is working urgently with other airlines to restore key domestic routes. 