Airlines rally as Flybe buckles

Wednesday 04 March 2020

As Flybe goes under, the two airlines continuing to serve Guernsey have issued statements in an early attempt to reassure their own passengers and to try and help anyone affected by the demise of the regional airline.

Aurigny has offered a 'rescue fare' to passengers needing to rebook flights for tomorrow, Thursday 5 March, in the initial aftermath of Flybe's collapse.

The rescue fare means anyone booked on a Flybe flight to the UK on Thursday 5 March can rebook with Aurigny for £49.99. The States owned airline said it will make further announcements in due course regarding any other plans to deal with the aftermath of Flybe's collapse on the local market. 

Aurigny also offered its sympathy to those directly affected by the closure of Flybe - its staff. 

"Our thought go out to our colleagues and friends at the Flybe family at this time," said the airline's statement. 

As a franchise partner of Flybe, many people's thoughts also turned to Blue Islands and what the collapse of the regional airline could mean for the locally owned service provider.

Blue Islands sought to reassure passengers that anyone booked on one of its own operated services is unaffected by the closure of Flybe. 

In a statement issued late on Wednesday 4 March, the airline said it will "continue to operate, following the closure of Flybe," adding that "passengers with bookings for travel on Blue Islands operated services are advised to check-in on time at the airport".

Blue Islands also said it will offer available seats on its services at a flat rate of £50 one-way, inclusive of baggage, from Thursday 5 March, until it has regained full use of its own booking services again.

The airline's statement said: 

"If you already have a booking for tomorrow 05 March 2020, please check in on time. It will be possible to book any available seats on Blue Islands operated services at the airport. Those seeking to book travel are asked to attend the airport and enquire of availability and flight information there. Sale of all new seats on these services for tomorrow will be flat rated at £50 one way (inclusive of baggage) until such time as Blue Islands have re-established full functionality of its dormant dynamic booking tools, which is expected within the forthcoming days (at which point further announcements will be made)."

Pictured: Blue Islands' planes were repainted in Flybe's colours and the local airline used the regional firm's website for passenger bookings. Blue Islands is now working to relaunch its own 'dormant dynamic booking tools', which should happen within days. 

Having worked closely with Flybe since the franchise agreement was announced in 2016, the local airline has said it is "saddened by the closure of Flybe," adding that, "our thoughts are with the staff, passengers, industry colleagues and wider stakeholders of the business affected at this difficult time. 

"We wish to thank all of our passengers and airport partners for their patience and support during this transitional period."

Further information on local services can be found at blueislands.com and aurigny.com for latest information.

Pictured: Aurigny and Blue Islands both issued reassuring statements to passengers in the immediate aftermath of Flybe's collapse.

Flybe had warned it might be on the verge of going under during the afternoon of Wednesday 4 March.

Just hours later, planes were being blocked in on runways or refused permission to take off across the UK during the evening. 

Talks had reportedly been taking place all day in a bid to stave off the collapse, after financial support from the UK government couldn't be secured.

More to follow...