Flybe collapse: How will it impact people and businesses in the Channel Islands?
Passengers, politicians and business leaders are still digesting the potential impact of the collapse of Flybe on the Channel Islands.
Flybe was bought by a consortium of Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Group and Cyrus Capital in February 2019, after running into earlier financial problems - appeared to strike a deal with the UK government over a £100 million tax bill in January 2020.
However, the airline later warned it would not survive until the end of the month blaming a slump in bookings due to coronavirus and called in administrators.
JOBS
Flybe's collapse puts 2,000 jobs at risk across its network.
Swissport, who represent staff who provide baggage handling and other services for Flybe at regional airports across the UK are currently awaiting news.
Scottish airline Loganair has also announced it will be opening a special recruitment line for former Flybe employees.
TRAVEL
Flybe provided a vital connection between the islands and UK transport hubs.
Blue Islands operated as a franchise partner for Flybe and today confirmed that its flights will continue as scheduled and passengers should check in as normal.
In the immediate term, the Guernsey States-funded airline Aurigny is also offering rescue fares to any passengers within their network who have faced disruption. Several other airlines including EasyJet, BA and Ryanair have similar schemes on offer.
A spokesperson for the UK Prime Minister says it is seeking airlines to take over the routes previously operated by Flybe.
Matt Thomas from Ports of Jersey says the news does not represent a loss of confidence in Jersey - and Coronavirus fears have a played a part in the airline's demise.
Loganair has confirmed it will take over the Jersey routes to Aberdeen and Inverness over the summer.
Meanwhile Condor says it has increased capacity on its sailings to help travelers affected by Flybe's collapse.
HEALTH
Some islanders rely on flights to the UK for specialist medical treatment, which is not available to them on-island.
Speaking today, Jersey's Minister for Economic Development Senator Lyndon Farnham said that guaranteeing links for those in that situation was the government's primary focus.
Colin Le Ray, Guernsey Airport's Director, says it is vitally important that islanders understand that its Southampton and Jersey routes are currently unaffected - particularly for those needing to use the routes for off-island care.
BUSINESS
The routes operated by Flybe also allowed tourists and business people to spend money in the islands.
Visitors contributed an estimated £145.9 million to Guernsey's economy in 2019, and Jersey welcomed over 1.7 million people through its airport.
Keith Beecham, the CEO of Visit Jersey, says the organisation will be working to reassure visitors that the island is still a viable holiday destination - and is still very much open for business.