What happened to Flybe and can I get a refund or a replacement flight?
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 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.
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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