Major UK airline cancels ALL scheduled flights – and says it won’t help stranded passengers
RYANAIR and EasyJet are scrapping cheap flights as ‘bailout fares’ for Flybe customers stranded after the company’s collapse.
It comes after Flybe and Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority told angry passengers they must make their own alternative travel arrangements.
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The regional airline announced this morning that it has halted trading and all scheduled flights have been cancelled.
Flybe’s website states: “Please note that unfortunately Flybe cannot arrange alternative flights for passengers.”
Normally, the CAA steps in to help stranded passengers.
However, when asked by The Sun, a spokesman said: “Flybe customers who have yet to travel will need to make their own alternative travel arrangements via other airline, train or bus companies.”
Now Irish low-cost airline Ryanair has announced it has slashed fares to help angry Flybe customers.
Ryanair’s Dara Brady said: “As the UK and Europe’s No. 1 airline for low fares and reliability, Ryanair is again saving the day with rescue fares from just £29.99 to accommodate customers impacted by Flybe’s sudden cancellation of all UK schedules.
“These rescue fares can now only be booked on Ryanair.com.”
And EasyJet has also made a discounted fare available for affected customers.
They say a fare of £49 for domestic routes and £79 for international routes, including a 15kg bag, will be available on presentation of their original Flybe booking number.
It comes as Britons have taken to social media in droves to try and figure out their next moves.
One wrote: “Now stranded in Geneva, due to fly tomorrow morning. Spent my last euro at the après, what do I do now?”
Another added: “Stranded at Heathrow after being told we’d been rebooked on a new flight this morning!”
A third fumed: “My daughter is due to fly back to university today.
“You allowed me to book extras and take my money yesterday. This is the second time this has happened.
CAA Consumer Director Paul Smith said: “It is always sad to see an airline go into administration and we know that Flybe’s decision to halt trading will be stressful for all of their staff 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 now ceased trading. All Flybe flights to and from the UK have been canceled and will not be rescheduled.”
It comes after Flybe returned to the skies in April after an earlier collapse.
Are you affected? Call 020 7782 4100, email: exclusive@the-sun.co.uk or WhatsApp 07423 720 250
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.
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.
What can I do if my flight is cancelled?
By LISA MINOT, tour guide
THE failure of the UK’s regional airline Flybe for a second time will leave affected passengers stranded and struggling to rearrange their travel plans at the last minute.
But what rights do you have when an airline goes bust?
Q: How do I get home if my flight is cancelled?
A: You will need to make your own arrangements and pay for an alternative method of transportation, be it a flight on another airline, a train or a bus. When Flybe went bust for the first time in March 2020, rival airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet introduced special bailout fares on routes where both companies operated.
Q: Can I get my money back for a booked flight?
A: If the amount you paid was over £100 and you used a credit card you should contact your credit card company and claim your money back under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Those who paid by debit card should contact their bank and see if a chargeback is possible, but this is not as guaranteed.
Q: I have travel insurance, can I claim it?
A: Contact your provider and check your policy. If your insurance includes Scheduled Flight Cancellation Insurance you can claim it, but not all insurance policies offer this.
Q: Am I covered by ATOL?
A: The government-backed ATOL program only pays if you have purchased Flybe flights and one additional item – be it a hotel, villa or even a rental car – through a tour operator or travel agent. Those who have booked flights as part of a package may be able to claim. If so, contact the travel company that made the booking for you or check the Civil Aviation Authority’s website at caa.co.uk/news
“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 stands ready to assist any affected employee through its Rapid Response Service.”
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