What Flybe collapse means for flights and passengers as refund rights explained
Airline Flybe has ceased trading and all scheduled flights have been cancelled, leaving potentially thousands of people stranded.
Flybe was initially pushed into administration in March 2020 with the loss of 2,400 jobs as the Covid-19 pandemic destroyed large parts of the travel market.
But the company's planes returned to the skies in April after its business and assets were purchased by Thyme Opco, which is linked to US hedge fund Cyrus Capital.
It returned with a plan to operate up to 530 flights per week across 23 routes, serving airports such as Belfast City, Birmingham, East Midlands, Glasgow, Heathrow and Leeds Bradford. It had been based at Birmingham Airport.
However, Flybe announced on Saturday morning that it has ceased trading and all flights from and to the UK operated by Flybe have been cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
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Before it went bust it flew the most UK domestic routes between airports outside London.
But what does this mean for Flybe customers who have already purchased tickets? The Mirror explains all.
Passengers have been left stranded after Flybe ceased trading (AFP via Getty Images)I've booked a flight - what happens now?
Both the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Flybe have urged customers who have booked Flybe flights not to travel to airports.
Instead, the CAA is advising anyone who still need to travel to make new alternative travel arrangements through other airlines, rail or coach operators.
Flybe has said it is "unfortunately not able to arrange alternative flights for passengers" and the CAA has not announced if it will step in to repatriate stranded customers.
If you booked your flight as part of a packaged holiday and you have ATOL protection, contact your travel firm and it should arrange alternative flights or give you a full refund.
Flybe announced the company had ceased trading on Saturday morning (PA)Customers should continue to check the Flybe website and Civil Aviation Authority website for further information.
Anyone who requires additional information or assistance is asked to contact the administrators at [email protected].
CAA consumer director Paul Smith said: "It is always sad to see an airline enter administration and we know that Flybe's decision to stop trading will be 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.
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"For the latest advice, Flybe customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority's website or our Twitter feed for more information."
Can I get a refund?
(PA)As we've mentioned above, customers should first check if their booking is ATOL-protected - but sadly, few people in this situation are likely to be.
ATOL is the the UK holiday financial protection scheme which is run by the Government and the CAA.
Booking a holiday which is ATOL protected means UK holidaymakers will get a refund if their travel operator collapses, or if they are already abroad they will be flown home at no extra cost.
ATOL protection covers flight-inclusive package holidays - so a holiday you've booked through a travel agent that normally includes things like your flight and hotel.
This means if you booked just flights with Flybe - so not through a package deal, but where you're booking your flights and hotel separately - you're unlikely to be ATOL protected.
Those who purchased flights on a credit card or debit card should speak to their bank about getting a refund.
If you’ve made a purchase worth between £100 and £30,000 using a credit card, you can try claim a refund through Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
For debit card payments or credit card purchased under £100, you can try using Chargeback to claim back your money - but sadly this isn’t enshrined in law so there is no guarantee you'll get your money back.
Those with travel insurance may be able to claim money back, although customers would usually need to have "scheduled airline failure cover" as part of the policy.
Rory Boland, Which? travel editor, said: “This will be terrible news to Flybe passengers, many of whom used the airline regularly where it provided essential services from regional airports.
“Very few passengers flying Flybe will be on Atol protected packages so the government is unlikely to step in and repatriate those abroad or provide refunds.“
What has Flybe said?
It's unclear how many people have lost jobs at Flybe (SWNS)The airline confirmed the "sad" move to cease trading in a statement published on Twitter on Saturday morning, noting that administrators had been brought in.
"We are sad to announce that Flybe has been placed into administration," Flybe tweeted.
"David Pike and Mike Pink of Interpath have been appointed administrators. Flybe has now ceased trading. All Flybe flights from and to the UK are cancelled and will not be rescheduled."
What has the Government said?
The Government said that 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, both old and new, as they recover from the pandemic, and we understand the impact this will have on Flybe's passengers and staff," a spokesperson said.
"Our immediate priority is to support people travelling home and employees who have lost their jobs.
"The Civil Aviation Authority is providing advice to passengers to help them make their journeys as smoothly and affordably as possible.
"The majority of destinations served by Flybe are within the UK with alternative transport arrangements available.
"We recognise that this is an uncertain time for affected employees and their families.
"Jobcentre Plus, through its Rapid Response Service, stands ready to support any employee affected."
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