Regional airline Flybe goes into administration – Flights to Anglesey from Cardiff “will continue to operate as normal with Eastern Airways”

Flybe, which operated regional services from UK airports including Anglesey and Cardiff has entered administration.

All flights have been grounded and around 2,000 jobs are at risk as a result of the collapse.

The airline has been operating in the UK for around 40 years, serving about eight million passengers a year.

Statement below from @EasternAirways regarding the #Anglesey – #Cardiff service this morning. https://t.co/hkpFSjy813

— Isle of Anglesey CC (@angleseycouncil) March 5, 2020

This morning the First Minister has said, “Very concerned by the Flybe news this morning. We are working closely with @Cardiff_Airport and UK Gov to assess the wider impact.”

Deb Bowen Rees, CEO of Cardiff Airport, said: “We are deeply saddened by today’s announcement that Flybe has ceased operations, impacting its operations across the UK. Our thoughts are with our many friends and colleagues at Flybe as well as our customers who have had their travel plans disrupted.

“As one of the UK’s largest regional airlines, Flybe is a well-known brand across South Wales and has made a hugely positive impact on Cardiff Airport and confidence in the Airport over recent years.

“We are actively talking to a number of airlines about the opportunity that exists in flying to and from south Wales. Given the Flybe news we will focus on filling the core domestic routes which Flybe serve for the region.

“Flights to Anglesey, Teeside and Aberdeen will continue to operate as normal with Eastern Airways. Customers due to fly with Flybe to other destinations are advised not to travel to the Airport. All flights with other operators are flying as normal.

Flybe, Europe’s largest regional operator, attempted to raise funds but has struggled as bookings dropped off due to the coronavirus outbreak.

In a message posted on its website in the early hours of this morning the airline states: “All flights have been grounded and the UK business has ceased trading with immediate effect.”

In a letter to the airline’s staff, chief executive Mark Anderson said: “Despite every effort, we now have no alternative – having failed to find a feasible solution to allow us to keep trading.

I am very sorry that we have not been able to secure the funding needed to continue to deliver our turnaround.” 

The airline pointed to the slow down in demand for air travel due to the coronavirus outbreak as a major factor in its 

All Flybe flights, and those operated by Stobart Air, are cancelled, passengers have been told not go to the airport as flights will not be operating. 

Flybe customers are being urged to make their own alternative travel arrangements via other airlines, rail or coach operators. 

The Civil Aviation Authority said:

“For flights operated by Flybe franchise partners (Eastern Airways, and Blue Islands) passengers should make contact with that airline to confirm your travel arrangements.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority will provide advice and information to consumers, so please check our website and Twitter feed @UK_CAA for more information.”

Commenting, 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.”