Embattled airline Flybe ceases trading just nine months after returning to the skies

The airline returned to the skies last year after the original business collapsed in 2020. Credit: PA Images

Regional carrier Flybe has ceased trading and all scheduled flights have been cancelled, authorities have said.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) made the announcement the company had gone into administration and urged those with booked Flybe flights not to travel to airports.

What happened to Flybe? A timeline of key events

Three early Flybe flights from Belfast, two from Birmingham, and two from Amsterdam were all showing as ‘scheduled on time’ on Flybe’s online flight status live tracker at 5am.

But the CAA urged ticket-holders to instead check its website for the latest information.

CAA consumer director Paul Smith said: “It is always sad to see an airline enter administration and we know that Flybe’s decision to stop trading will be distressing for all of its employees and customers.

"We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Flybe flights are cancelled. For the latest advice, Flybe customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website or our Twitter feed for more information."

The airport had been based at Birmingham International Airport. Credit: PA Images

The airline also confirmed the "sad" move, noting that administrators had been brought in.

"We are sad to announce that Flybe has been placed into administration," Flybe tweeted.

"David Pike and Mike Pink of Interpath have been appointed administrators. Flybe has now ceased trading.

"All Flybe flights from and to the UK are cancelled and will not be rescheduled."

Passenger slams 'outrageous' Flybe after company enters administration

It comes just nine months after Flybe returned to the skies in April 2022 following the original airline's collapse.

It returned with a plan to operate up to 530 flights per week across 23 routes, serving airports such as Belfast City, Birmingham, East Midlands, Glasgow, Heathrow, and Leeds Bradford.

Flybe was pushed into administration in March 2020 with the loss of 2,400 jobs as the Covid-19 pandemic destroyed large parts of the travel market.

Before it went bust it flew the most UK domestic routes between airports outside London.

Its business and assets were purchased in April 2021 by Thyme Opco, which is linked to US hedge fund Cyrus Capital.

Thyme Opco was later renamed Flybe Limited. It had been based at Birmingham Airport.

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