The collapse of Flybe has resulted in 75,000 passengers searching for refunds and alternative transportation options. The regional airline entered administration for the second time in three years, just months after its relaunch. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has advised passengers not to travel to airports if they have booked Flybe flights. The administrators reported that 2,500 passengers were scheduled to fly on Saturday, with a total of 75,000 people having booked tickets for the upcoming months.
To assist stranded passengers, competitors such as British Airways, Ryanair, and EasyJet have offered discounted travel options. Additionally, state-owned train service LNER is providing free travel this weekend to those affected. However, it is unlikely that passengers with airline tickets will receive a refund directly from Flybe. They may need to rely on their credit card provider or a holiday package for compensation.
This is the second time in three years that Flybe has faced administration. The airline returned in April 2021 with plans to operate up to 530 flights per week across 23 routes, serving airports including Belfast City, Birmingham, East Midlands, Glasgow, Heathrow, and Leeds Bradford. After the pandemic devastated the travel market, Flybe went into administration in March 2020, resulting in the loss of 2,400 jobs. In April 2021, Thyme Opco, linked to US hedge fund Cyrus Capital, purchased Flybe’s business and assets. Thyme Opco renamed itself Flybe Limited and was based at Birmingham Airport.
Flybe encountered numerous challenges following its relaunch. Many of its chosen routes overlapped with competitors or were financially risky. For example, eight out of ten routes from Flybe’s secondary hub, Belfast City airport, were already offered by other airlines. The company also faced difficulties securing aircraft leases, leading to the cancellation of numerous flights. It’s clear that Flybe’s collapse was anticipated given the issues it faced.
Thousands of travelers experienced cancellations and were stranded without support from Flybe. One example is a group of 400 Sheffield Steelers ice hockey team fans who traveled to Northern Ireland to see a match against the Belfast Giants. Many of them had booked flights with Flybe and were left without assistance. While Flybe’s size and the number of stranded passengers may not warrant government repatriation flights, other airlines in the market can handle the task of getting passengers home.
For passengers affected by Flybe’s collapse and flight cancellations, here are some steps to take:
1. Do not travel to the airport unless you have made alternative arrangements with another airline. Contact your travel agent if you booked through one.
2. Obtaining a refund directly from Flybe is unlikely. However, passengers who paid with a credit card or debit card and booked directly with the airline may be protected under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 or through Visa debit card protection. Contact your card provider for assistance.
3. Review your travel insurance policy to see if it covers airline failure. Not all policies include this coverage, so read the policy wording carefully.
4. If you booked a package holiday with an Atol holder, you may be protected and entitled to alternative arrangements or a refund. Check your confirmation for Atol protection information.
5. If you made linked travel arrangements, such as booking a flight and a hotel separately within 24 hours of each other, you may be eligible for a refund. However, this will not provide assistance if you are currently abroad.
6. If you are currently away and cannot return due to Flybe’s collapse, contact your travel agent for guidance. If your holiday is Atol protected, you should be provided with an alternative flight at no extra cost. Otherwise, you will need to find another way home. Trains may be a viable alternative, especially for domestic routes within Britain.
7. British Airways, EasyJet, and Ryanair are offering discounted fares to help affected passengers return home. LNER, the train line, is also offering free travel for Flybe customers with cancelled flights on specific dates.
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