Flybe enters administration, all flights cancelled

IoM routes to Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham among those affected

One of the airlines serving the Isle of Man has entered administration.

Flybe made the announcement in the early hours of this morning, confirming EY has been appointed as administrators.

A statement on the operator's website says all flights have been grounded and the business has ceased to operate with immediate effect.

Those booked to travel with the firm are being urged not to travel to the airport unless they've arranged an alternative flight with another airline.

All Flybe flights are showing as cancelled on the Isle of Man Airport website and on the arrivals and departure boards at Ronaldsway.

Services to Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester had all been scheduled today.

This passenger was due to fly to Liverpool this morning:

The news comes less than two months after Flybe agreed a rescue deal with the UK Government, with the coronavirus outbreak being blamed for a drop in passenger numbers.

Some of those booked to travel this morning were heading to the UK for medical appointments. These patients spoke to Manx Radio:

Yesterday, Treasury Minister Alf Cannan admitted the situation is a concern for the Isle of Man Government. In a statement issued this morning, the government said:

"FlyBe has offered a great service to the Isle of Man for many years and we are really sorry to hear this announcement. Flybe has successfully operated the Island’s Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham routes for many years.

"The Isle of Man Government’s patient transfer contract provides a significant number of flight bookings and the Government is talking with other airlines that are interested in continuing to serve the Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham routes.

"We are confident that another operator will be keen to take on these popular routes.

"All of our scheduled patient transfers were advised this morning of the cancellations of the flights and we would encourage anyone scheduled to travel in the next few days to check the patient transfer website for the latest details or call 642673."

A further statement on patient transfers has been issued via the government's social media pages:

The Isle of Man Government then issued a further update just after 2pm, which said:

"Patients who have missed appointments due to the lack of flights today, we will be contacting the UK hospitals to rearrange all patients’ appointments.

"We will be liaising with the hospitals and these patients will be offered an alternative appointment, prioritised by clinical need.

"We will also be contacting each patient directly to determine any clinical concerns they may have on a case by case basis and escalate as appropriate.

"Patients due to attend for an appointment from tomorrow (6 March), all patients will be contacted this afternoon and offered the opportunity to travel to the UK by the evening ferry.

"Accommodation and travel whilst in the UK will be arranged and funded by the Department.

"A further update will be issued at 10am tomorrow morning."

EasyJet has also released comment about its competitor's demise - saying "we are sorry to see the news about Flybe and appreciate the anxiety that their customers will be facing now.

"EasyJet is working to help affected passengers by offering a dedicated rescue fee for customers up until the end of May.

"A fare of £65 (€72) including a 15kg hold bag will be available on presentation their original Flybe booking reference.

"From Thursday 5 to Friday 6 March we will be offering free flights for Flybe staff to get them home."

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority has issued advice to passengers on social media:

Flybe has entered administration.

All Flybe flights are cancelled. Please do not go to the airport as your Flybe flight will not be operating.

For flights operated by franchise partners, passengers should make contact with their airline.#Flybe pic.twitter.com/O9vQ7mvnR8

— UK Civil Aviation Authority (@UK_CAA) March 5, 2020