Regional airline Flybe has ceased trading and all its scheduled flights have been cancelled, the UK Civil Aviation Authority has announced.
“All Flybe flights have now been cancelled. Please do not go to the airport as flights will not be operating,” the authority said in a statement early on Saturday.
“Flybe customers who still need to travel will need to make their own alternative travel arrangements via other airlines, rail or coach operators,” it said.
The airline said David Pike and Mike Pink had been appointed joint administrators and confirmed that all flights to and from the UK were cancelled and would not be rescheduled.
Flybe was not able to arrange alternative flights for passengers, it said, and those with flights booked via an intermediary were advised to contact the relevant airline or booking agent.
The airline operated scheduled services from Belfast City, Birmingham and Heathrow to airports across the UK and to Amsterdam and Geneva.
Paul Smith 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.”
Flybe was 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.
It then returned to the skies with a plan to operate up to 530 flights a week across 23 routes, serving airports such as Belfast City, Birmingham, East Midlands, Glasgow, Heathrow and Leeds Bradford.
Before it went bust it flew the most UK domestic routes between airports outside London.
Its business and assets were purchased in April 2021 by Thyme Opco, which is linked to US hedge fund Cyrus Capital. Thyme Opco was renamed Flybe Limited, based at Birmingham Airport.
The government said its “immediate priority” would be to support anyone trying to get home and those who had 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.
“Our immediate priority is to support people travelling home and employees who have lost their jobs,” a spokesperson said.
“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.”
With PA Media