By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Reading: Flybe’s collapse confirmed following financial difficulties
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Signin Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2025 | All Rights Reserved
Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > Flybe’s collapse confirmed following financial difficulties

Flybe’s collapse confirmed following financial difficulties

Luke Willmoth
Last updated: 9 March 2020 22:58
By Luke Will
5 Min Read
Share
SHARE

Within the last five minutes we’ve confirmed reports that UK based regional carrier, Flybe (Due to become Virgin Connect airlines) has collapsed after failed administrative talks to save the carrier. The news comes amidst financial difficulties reported in January, after the carriers acquisition by the Virgin Group.

An internal memo was distributed to staff early this morning, Thursday 5 March 2020, reading:

Dear Team, it’s with enormous sadness and a deep feeling of sorrow that I share the upsetting news that Flybe is shortly being put into Administration. Despite every effort, we now have no alternative – having failed to find a feasible solution to allow us to keep trading. I expect Ernst & Young (EY) to be appointed as Administrators and once official they will be in contact to explain the situation and next steps. I do appreciate how distressing this news is and the shock and numbness that you will be feeling.”

The UK’s most popular regional carrier, Flybe, has collapsed | (c) Kevin SwindlehurstThe move, putting over 2000 jobs at risk, follows failed financial talks to continue the airline’s operations. Further dismay came following a rejection by the government for a £100m cash injection loan.

Passengers have reported that Flybe have been turning people away from both Check-in and Boarding areas, with departure boards at airports across the UK showing flight cancellations; Passengers at Glasgow airport reported being handed out a notice signed by the airport duty manager cancelling and impounding two of the carriers Dash 8-Q400 aircraft. It is unsure whether these aircraft have been subsequently released.

This notice, left on the boarding gate at Manchester Airport, detained an aircraft under the Civil Aviation Act 1982 | (c) Airlive

The airline was trying to secure a loan from the government to the amount of £100m, however talks have since stopped with no loan agreed between the parties. Just 2 mouths ago the airline was very close to similar threat, however was later saved by the government with deferred tax payments under £10m; Additionally, a rescue plan was purposed in order to help the airline to resume financial stability again and turn a profit – something the carrier has struggled with over the past decade (With reported troubles since 2010)

Flybe aircraft remain grounded across the country with passengers being turnt away | (c) Andrew McArthur

The last two aircraft made heir final approach into Edinburgh (Flight BE297, Manchester to Abideen, operated by Dash 8 Q400, G-JECN) and Abideen (Flight BE1047, Manchester to Edinburgh, operated by another of their Dash 8 Q400’s, G-ECOD). It is thought the carriers final flight touched down at 23:58pm (UTC) on March 4 2020.

 

Will Blue Island franchise flights continue?

Blue Island is one partner operating franchised flights for Flybe on the London City, Bristol and Southampton connection flights with the Channel Islands (Using a 5 aircraft fleet of ATR42 and 72 aircraft) confirmed they would continue operating flights, releasing the following statement:

Blue Islands services will continue to operate, following the closure of Flybe. Passengers with bookings for travel on Blue Islands operated services are advised to check-in on time at the airport. If you already have a booking for tomorrow 05 March 2020, please check in on time. It will be possible to book any available seats on Blue Islands operated services at the airport. [We are] saddened by the closure of Flybe. Our thoughts are with the staff, passengers, industry colleagues and wider stakeholders of the business affected at this difficult time.”

Travel Radar Media have reached out to Flybe/Connect Airways for comment.

You Might Also Like

airBaltic Launches Six New Routes
Young Planespotter Blasted At Skiathos Airport
Etihad Airways Enhances Sydney Route
Avelo Airlines to begin flights to the Dominican Republic
Boeing to take over Embraer commercial plane production.
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link
What’s your thoughts?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Angry0
Luke Willmoth
ByLuke Will
Follow:
Chief Executive Officer - Luke founded Travel Radar in 2015, transforming it from a passion project into a leading independent media publication. With a vision for storytelling and innovation, he continues to shape its success in the travel industry.
Previous Article Coronavirus; Now Emirates…
Next Article Lufthansa Group plans up to 50% fewer flights
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest

guest

8 Comments
Oldest
Newest Upvoted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe

Trending News

A red car driving on a road with the Hollywood sign in the background
Hotels by the Hour in LA : redefining luxury and lifestyle in the heart of the city
Travel Travel Radar
Avelo aircraft N808VL at RDU airport
Avelo Airlines Launches New Membership Programme
Airlines Aviation Points & Loyalty
OX1 Plant © OXCCU
OXCCU Raises £20.75 million to develop Sustainable Aviation Fuel from Waste Carbon
Airline Economics Aviation Manufacturing Technology
A320neo-and-A321neo-in-flight-together
Airbus A320 Overtakes Boeing 737 as Most Popular Aircraft with Record Deliveries
Aircraft Aviation Manufacturing
British AIrways Boeing 787 Dreamliner in flight
British Airways to Boost Connectivity between India and the UK
Airline Economics Airlines Aviation Route Development
//

Travel Radar is the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. Discover our latest aviation news, aviation data, insight and analysis.

Discover

  • Latest News
  • Subscribe
  • Weekly Digest
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Media Coverage
  • Press & Events
  • Join Our Team
  • Our Brands

Signup to our Newsletter!

And get the latest aviation news via our weekly news digest!

© Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2015-2025 | ISSN #2635-0696 | Trademark #UK00003579704
wpDiscuz
adbanner
Welcome to the TR Community!

Sign in to your account

Not a member? Sign Up