Flybe airline ceases trading, cancels flights

Struggling UK regional airline Flybe collapsed for the second time in three years on Saturday, putting jobs on the line and leaving passengers stranded. The airline initially slumped into bankruptcy in March 2020, shedding 2,400 jobs, as coronavirus restrictions decimated the travel industry.

It relaunched in April last year, flying many of the same routes out of Belfast, Birmingham and London Heathrow. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority said passengers should “make their own alternative travel arrangements via other airlines, rail or coach operators,” leaving customers with lengthy and potentially expensive trips to get home.

Flybe returned to the skies less than 12 months ago with a plan to operate up to 530 flights per week across 23 routes. The U.K. government said that its immediate priority would be to support anyone trying to get home and those who have lost their jobs.