UK airline Flybe collapses

Flybe collapses as coronavirus proves the final straw.

British regional airline Flybe went into administration in the early hours of Thursday morning.

According to reports, the slump in travel demand since the coronavirus outbreak was the final straw for the struggling airline.

In an email to staff, CEO Mark Anderson said that he shared the news of the administration “with enormous sadness and a deep feeling of sorrow.”

“Despite every effort, we now have no alternative — having failed to find a feasible solution to allow us to keep trading,” he said.

“Despite your hard work, commitment and some amazing results which we have delivered, and have been achieving up to the last day of operation — particularly for our customers who depend on us across the country, we have come to the end of the road.”

The news comes only two months after the UK government announced a rescue deal.

Unlike after the Thomas Cook collapse, the British government will not be providing repatriation flights.

In a statement the UK regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said, “Flybe customers are therefore urged to make their own alternative travel arrangements via other airlines, rail or coach operators.”

Stranded Flybe passengers and staff are being offered free travel by all First Rail train operators to get them home, while easyJet has offered rescue fares.

Until its collapse, Flybe, was Europe’s largest regional carrier, operating almost 40% of UK domestic flights.