Island passengers fear worst with Flybe on brink of collapse
FLYBE appears to be on the brink of collapse – affecting passengers and Guernsey air links.
Blue Islands and Aurigny are offering a special rescue fare today [5 March]. ‘Our thoughts go out to our colleagues and friends at the Flybe family at this time,’ said Aurigny.
Guernsey passengers last night flooded social media with fears about their Flybe flights.
Operating multiple routes out of the island, Exeter-based Flybe has endured months of financial turbulence. A plea for UK government help and the impact of coronavirus on bookings are reported to have been the final straw.
A takeover promising a new start failed to take off.
Thousands of jobs are now at risk with question marks over Flybe’s regional network across the British Isles, including the Channel Islands.
Amid the fallout, Flybe’s local franchise partner Blue Islands moved to reassure passengers that its services would continue as it talked about the ‘closure’ of Flybe and a special fare for today.
‘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,’ said the airline.
Referring to passengers with a booking for today, Blue Islands asked them to check-in as normal. ‘It will be possible to book any available seats on Blue Islands operated services at the airport,’ said the island carrier.
‘Those seeking to book travel are asked to attend the airport and enquire of availability and flight information there.’
Sales of all new seats on these services for today would be flat rated until such time as Blue Islands had re-established full functionality of its dormant dynamic booking tools. This is expected within the forthcoming days, at which point further announcements will be made.
The airline added: ‘Blue Islands is 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.
‘We wish to thank all of our passengers and airport partners for their patience and support during this transitional period.’
Aurigny – which is owned by Guernsey taxpayers – announced a ‘special rescue fare’ for any flight today.
‘Aurigny will make further announcements in due course and continue to aim to be Guernsey’s dependable local airline.’
