Flybe grounded placing 2,000 jobs at risk
Flybe, which flew regularly from East Midlands Airport, has collapsed – blaming coronavirus for its demise.
The firm entered administration at 3am this morning (5 March) and has ceased trading immediately.
The news means that 2,000 jobs are to be axed at the airline after it blamed a lack of bookings on the coronavirus pandemic.
EY has been appointed administrator.
A statement on Flybe’s website said: “Flybe entered administration on 5 March 2020 and Alan Hudson, Joanne Robinson, Lucy Winterborne and Simon Edel of EY have been appointed as joint administrators.
“All flights have been grounded and the UK business has ceased trading with immediate effect.
“If you are due to fly with Flybe, please DO NOT TRAVEL TO THE AIRPORT unless you have arranged an alternative flight with another airline. Please note that 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, please contact the relevant airline or travel agent to confirm if there is any impact to your travel plans.
“Customers are also advised to monitor the Civil Aviation Authority website for further information.”
Richard Moriarty, chief executive at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “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.”
Flybe operated about 75 aircraft and served more than 80 airports across the UK and Europe.
