Local airlines step in to help Flybe passengers, after the regional carrier goes into administration

Company CEO Mark Anderson said they had made every effort to secure the airline's long-term future, but had been unsuccessful.

The news broke in the early hours of this morning.

'The UK has lost one of its greatest regional assets. Flybe has been a key part of the UK aviation industry for four decades, connecting regional communities, people and businesses across the entire nation,' he said.

'I thank all our partners and the communities we have been privileged to serve. Above all I would like to thank the Flybe team for their incredible commitment and dedication.'

Flybe customers are advised not to travel to the airport.

The collapse was blamed on significant funding problems, which were compounded by the outbreak of coronavirus reducing traveller numbers.

The airline operated services from Guernsey to Birmingham and Exeter, as well as some services to Jersey. Today those flights were cancelled, as well as the States-subsidised service between Guernsey and Heathrow, which Flybe operated.

Blue Islands had been in a franchise arrangement with Flybe since 2016 and some of its planes have Flybe livery. The local airline reassured passengers that it was operating. It offers inter-island services, as well as Southampton flights.

It has organised two extra routes today - a triangular service between Birmingham, Jersey and Guernsey and a second triangular service between Guernsey, Jersey and Exeter - to help passengers to get to their destinations. Passengers who were on equivalent Flybe services will be flown free of charge, with seats allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Blue Islands and Aurigny are also offering special rescue fares for around £50 today on their usual services.

As Blue Islands has been using Flybe's infrastructure, its flight booking system was dormant. It is now being re-established in the coming days.

It will be possible to book onto Blue Islands operated services at the airport.