What are my consumer rights as Flybe collapses into administration?

Struggling UK airline Flybe has collapsed into administration, but what does this mean for travellers?

Here's a rundown of your rights if you were due to fly with them.

Struggling UK airline Flybe 'looks set to collapse within hours' after coronavirus fears hit business

  • What happens if I've booked a flight with Flybe?

The first thing to do is check if your booking has ATOL protection - a government-run financial protection scheme operated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Flights bought directly from airlines such as Flybe are not generally Atol protected but those bought through a separate travel company may be covered.

The scheme protects most trips booked as a package, such as flights and accommodation, or flights and car hire. It also applies to some flight-only bookings, particularly when the tickets are not received immediately.

If you booked through a travel agent, Which? advises contacting the agent to check if the booking is still in place - it might be that you can still fly but with a different airline.

The last Flybe flight to land at Exeter Airport arrived late last night. Credit: ITV West Country

  • What happens if I'm already on holiday?

When previous airlines such as Monarch Airlines and Thomas Cook collapsed, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) was ordered by the Department for Transport to launch a major repatriation operation to fly them home.

But CAA says it will not be running such a scheme for Flybe passengers because "there is capacity in the market for people to travel via alternative airlines, rail and coach operations".

Which? Travel Editor says coronavirus is 'hitting the aviation industry hard'. Credit: PA

  • Will my insurance cover it?

This often depends on your travel insurance policy, but Which? advises that airline financial failure or insolvency is "rarely included" on most policies.

Holidaymakers can apply to their credit or debit card provider to be reimbursed.

Holidaymakers can apply to their credit or debit card provider to be reimbursed.

If you paid with a credit card, Which? says you may be able to claim against section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

It adds: "To be eligible, you need to have paid more than £100 for your flights or holiday, and used your credit card to book direct with the tour operator or airline."

Flybe has informed the Government it would not survive until the end of the month without a cash boost. Credit: PA

  • Can I cancel my booking with Flybe now? And would I be entitled to a refund?

Despite the current disruption over the coronavirus outbreak, travellers who have changed their mind about flying may struggle to get a refund.

For those who have made bookings but no longer wish to travel should try and contact their travel provider and "see if there is any flexibility".