Flybmi, the East Midlands based airline announced over the weekend that it had ceased operations and was filing for administration.
Passengers were left stranded across Europe yesterday after the airline cancelled all its flights.
According to the BBC, the airline said that Brexit uncertainty, rises in fuel and carbon costs led to to filing for administration on Saturday.
Flybmi’s move puts 376 jobs at risk and comes as other airlines face problems.
Loganair stepped in yesterday to take over three Flybmi routes from Aberdeen to Bristol, Oslo and Esbjerg. These however, will not commence until 4th March.
Both carriers are owned by the same holding company, Airline Investments.
A Flybmi spokesman said: “It is with a heavy heart that we have made this unavoidable announcement.
“The airline has faced several difficulties, including recent spikes in fuel and carbon costs, the latter arising from the EU’s recent decision to exclude airlines from full participation in the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Current trading and future prospects have also been seriously affected by the uncertainty created by the Brexit process, which has led to our inability to secure valuable flying contacts in Europe.”
Flybmi has informed travellers affected by the news to contact their insurance and credit card companies. Flybmi, based near East Midlands Airport, operated 17 aircraft.
The airline issued the following advice to those with flights booked:
- People who booked directly with Flybmi should contact their card issuer to seek a refund
- Passengers who booked via a travel agent or one of Flybmi’s partner airlines should contact them to ask about their options
- Those with travel insurance should see if they are eligible to claim for cancelled flights
Flybmi’s operations were formerly run as BMI Regional, a division of the airline BMI. The company was formed in 2012 when British Airways owner IAG took over BMI and sold the subsidiary.
The airline last year ran 29,000 flights carrying 522,000 passengers.
If your job has been affected by this news, and you are now looking for another job, search aviation roles here.
