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What happened to Flybe and can I get a refund or a replacement flight?
The airline only returning to the skies in March after a two year hiatus but it was officially announced over the weekend that the company would cease trading.
Flybe made the announcement over the weekend that the company will cease trading and all flights will be cancelled as a consequence.
The airline only returning to the skies in April after a two year hiatus and was operating a popular route connected Leeds Bradford Airport with London Heathrow and Belfast, amongst other routes across the UK.
The company is some 40 years old and has long been known as a budget carrier for the UK and beyond. The most recent revival saw the company has been bought out by Thyme Opco, a company linked to former shareholder Cyrus Capital, who have changed the official company name to Flybe Limited, obtained airport slots, new operating license and route licenses ahead of their relaunch.
The official statement
Flybe made the following statement early on Saturday 28 January 2023, which can be viewed on the Flybe website.
"On 28 January 2023, the High Court appointed David Pike and Mike Pink as Joint Administrators of Flybe Limited (“Flybe”).
"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.
Refunds and replacement travel
Flybe has stated that: "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".
Sky News has reported that due to the nature of the collapse of the company "refunds from the company itself will not be provided", but those with travel insurance or bookings with debit and credit cards (though it is imagined it will depend on individual policy) can request a refund themselves.
Flybe has been operating popular flights between Leeds Bradford Airport and Belfast since relaunching in April 2022. / Image: Flybe
Flybe is a budget airline with the majority of flights costing around £34.99 – £39.99 each way, but if you spent more than £100 on flights and used a credit card, reports also advised customers that this is a value protected under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
There are a number of airlines offering "rescue fares" to help those with travel. The Independent reports that easyJet, British Airways and Ryanair are all airlines that may be able to help passengers trying to find replacement flights.
This is by no means the only way to organise a replacement flight or refund, and there are plenty of additional organisations that are helping customers to understand the options that they have in light of the recent news.
Please note that whilst this is the information currently being reported about the closure of Flybe as an airline, you should still make sure to check with your own booking companies to ensure that this information is up to date when trying to process your own flight booking.
Feature Image- Flybe
News
A huge football fan zone with space for up to 1,000 fans has opened in Leeds
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Sophie Smith -
30th January 2023 
