The airline Flybe has ceased trading for the second time in three years, cancelling all flights to and from the United Kingdom.
A statement on Flybe’s website said the airline, which operated scheduled services from Belfast, Birmingham and Heathrow across the UK and to Amsterdam and Geneva, had entered administration.
Flybe first fell into administration in March 2020 amid the UK’s COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
In October 2020 it was sold to Thyme Opco Ltd, a firm controlled by Cyrus Capital, and in April 2022 it resumed flights on a smaller scale.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said in a statement on Saturday: “Flybe, which operated scheduled services from Belfast City, Birmingham and Heathrow to airports across the United Kingdom and to Amsterdam and Geneva, has ceased trading.
“All Flybe-flights have now been cancelled. Please do not go to the airport as flights will not be operating.
“Flybe customers who still need to travel, will need to make their own alternative travel arrangements via other airlines, rail or coach operators.
“The UK Civil Aviation Authority will provide advice and information to affected passengers. More information can be found on www.caa.co.uk/news when it is available.
“Information will also be made available on our Twitter feed @UK_CAA ”
Paul Smith, Consumer Director at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, 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. For the latest advice, Flybe customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website or our Twitter feed for more information.”
A statement on the Flybe website read: “On 28 January 2023, the High Court appointed David Pike and Mike Pink as Joint Administrators of Flybe Limited.
“Flybe has now ceased trading and all flights from and to the UK operated by Flybe have been cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
“If you are a passenger affected by this event, please read the advice below.
“If you are due to fly with Flybe today or in the future, 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 Flybe booking sold by an intermediary (i.e. not directly with Flybe) that includes travel on a Flybe flight, please contact the relevant airline or booking / travel agent to confirm if there is any impact to your travel plans as the intermediary may be able to support you with alternative arrangements and provide further advice regarding any claim you may need to make.
“Customers are also advised to monitor the Civil Aviation Authority website for further information www.caa.co.uk/news
“If you require any further information or assistance, please contact the Administrators at: flybecustomers@interpathadvisory.com …”