Flybe stops trading and forces cancellation of scheduled flights
Regional airline Flybe has halted trading and all scheduled flights have been cancelled, authorities said.
Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced the company had filed for bankruptcy and urged those on Flybe flights booked not to travel to airports.
Three early Flybe flights from Belfast, two from Birmingham and two from Amsterdam all showed up as ‘on time as scheduled’ on Flybe’s online flight status live tracker at 5am.
However, the CAA urged ticket holders to check their website for the latest information instead.
CAA Consumer Director Paul Smith said: “It is always sad to see an airline enter bankruptcy and we know that Flybe’s decision to halt trading will be distressing for all of their employees and customers.
“We urge passengers wishing to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Flybe flights have been cancelled. For the latest advice, Flybe customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority website or our Twitter feed for more information.”
The airline also confirmed the “sad” move, noting that administrators have been called in.
“We are sad to announce that Flybe has been placed under administration,” Flybe tweeted.
“Interpath’s David Pike and Mike Pink have been promoted to Administrators. Flybe has since ceased trading. All Flybe flights to and from the UK will be canceled and not rebooked.”
It comes after Flybe returned to the skies in April after an earlier collapse.
It returned with a plan to operate up to 530 flights a week on 23 routes, serving airports including Belfast City, Birmingham, East Midlands, Glasgow, Heathrow and Leeds Bradford.
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The airport was based at Birmingham International Airport (Jacob King/PA)
Flybe was pushed into administration with the loss of 2,400 jobs in March 2020 as the Covid-19 pandemic devastated large parts of the travel market.
Before it went bust it flew most of the UK domestic routes between airports outside of London.
His business and assets were bought by Thyme Opco, which is linked to US hedge fund Cyrus Capital, in April 2021.
Thyme Opco was renamed Flybe Limited.
It was based at Birmingham Airport.
The government said its “immediate priority” would be to support anyone trying to get home and those who have lost their jobs.
“This remains a challenging environment for airlines, old and new, recovering from the pandemic and we understand the impact this will have on Flybe passengers and staff.
“Our immediate priority is to support those traveling home and employees who have lost their jobs,” a spokesman said.
“The Civil Aviation Authority advises passengers to help them make their journeys as smooth and cost-effective as possible.
“The majority of Flybe’s destinations are within the UK, with alternative transport options available.
“We recognize that this is an uncertain time for affected employees and their families.
“Jobcentre Plus is ready to support any affected employee through its Rapid Response Service.”
https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/flybe-ceases-trading-forcing-cancellation-of-scheduled-flights-42317087.html Flybe stops trading and forces cancellation of scheduled flights
