Following the ceasing of operations by low-cost UK airline, Flybe, several carriers have offered assistance to both passengers and staff.
Flybe released a statement on Saturday, January 28, informing travellers that it had ceased all trading and all its flights to and from the UK had been cancelled and would not be rescheduled.
This comes after the airline went into administration, with the High Court appointing David Pike and Mike Pinkas Joint Administrators. It had previously ceased operations in March 2020 due to the COVID pandemic and recently began trading again last April.
After Saturday’s announcement, the flights of about 75 000 travellers were cancelled and 277 of Flybe’s 321 staff were made redundant, according to BBC News.
The airline said it would not be able to assist its affected passengers but the UK Civil Aviation Authority will provide advice and information to those affected, and other airlines have offered help to travellers and staff.
According to Business Traveller, easyJet is offering domestic and international rescue fares for £49 (R1 050) and £79 (R1 693) respectively, including a 15kg hold bag for travellers who can present their original Flybe booking reference. British Airways has launched discounted one-way fares of £50 (R1 070) plus taxes, fees and charges on selected routes, and Ryanair has launched rescue fares from £29.99 (R643).
The UK CAA has issued the following advice to affected travellers:
- Those who have booked with a credit, debit, or charge card should contact their card provider for a possible refund.
- Card providers may request a ‘negative response’ letter as proof of the airline’s status, available on the CAA’s website.
- The CAA may launch an operation to repatriate stranded travellers, however this has not been confirmed yet.
- Travellers who booked their flights as part of a package deal with a travel agent may be ATOL-protected and are advised to speak to their agent.
- Most Flybe bookings are not part of a package holiday and are unlikely to be ATOL-protected, but may still be covered through travel insurance if it covers scheduled airline failure.
In terms of staff who have lost their jobs, Ryanair and easyJet have released statements indicating they have vacancies available. EasyJet says it has 250 vacancies for cabin crew, while Ryanair said it had vacancies in all categories, including pilots, engineers and ground staff.
EasyJet said it would fast-track applications from Flybe cabin crew, and that they could potentially begin working within 10 days. Those who are successful applicants for head office roles, will be fast-tracked within 14 days.
In a statement on its website, Ryanair encouraged all Flybe staff to apply for the vacancies available.
