UK: Flights cancelled as Flybe airline collapses

Europe’s largest regional airline, Flybe has gone into administration, sparking chaos for passengers whose flights were cancelled and diverted. The airline collapsed in the early hours of March 5, 2020 after the already-struggling firm was hit by a drop in demand caused by coronavirus. This news comes two months after the government announced rescue operations for it. Before the viral outbreak, Flybe was already struggling with rising fuel costs, soft demand and competition. The airline served 57 airports in Europe. Flybe passengers and staff are being offered free travel by all First Rail train operators, which consist of Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, TransPennine Express and Avanti West Coast. EasyJet has offered rescue fares for passengers and free flights to Flybe staff to get home.