Flybe collapse: All the airlines and train companies offering rescue fares
Other transport providers are being asked to step up to help stranded passengers
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Your support makes all the difference.Flybe’s sudden demise has wrecked the travel plans of thousands of passengers, with some now stranded after Europe’s biggest regional carrier announced it had grounded all of its 68 aircraft with immediate effect.
However, some airlines and train operators have stepped up to fill the gap by offering free travel or “rescue fares” – heavily discounted tickets – for Flybe customers.
Here are all the transport providers currently offering rescue fares.
Ryanair has launched fares from £19.99 to affected passengers on certain routes. Europe’s biggest budget airline said these fares are valid for travel until the end of April but must be booked by midnight on Sunday 8 March.
The routes are Liverpool-Knock; Bournemouth-Dublin; Belfast-London Stansted; Bristol-Dublin; and Belfast-Manchester.
Ryanair’s Alejandra Ruiz said: “Flybe customers can continue to enjoy the lowest fares and most reliable service by switching to Ryanair, and we’ve released rescue fares to assist customers affected by Flybe ceasing operations.
“We are working with the CAA to accommodate passengers who may have been left stranded or have had their travel plans disrupted by the collapse of the airline. We again call for more robust and frequent stress tests on financially weak airlines and tour operators so customers are not the ones who suffer.”
After Flybe collapsed, easyJet was first with an offer for Flybe customers, with tickets available up until the end of May: “A fare of £65 (€72) including a 15kg hold bag will be available on presentation of their original Flybe booking reference.”
The airline is also offering Flybe staff free flights home on 5 and 6 March.
According to Twitter, Flybe crew who are stranded should go to an easyJet airport ticket desk and show their Flybe crew ID card.
Britain’s flag carrier has introduced Flybe rescue fares. The fares are £50 plus taxes, fees and charges, and include a checked bag weighing up to 23kg.
A BA spokesperson said: “We’re offering special fares to customers that are left without flights following the Flybe announcement, and we’ll bring home any stranded members of Flybe staff home for free.
“We will help as much as we can in the coming days.”
British airways is offering its discounted fares from the following destinations: Aberdeen, Amsterdam, Belfast City, Edinburgh, Jersey, Dusseldorf, Geneva, Milan, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, Inverness, Leeds Bradford, Paris and Nice.
Customers who previously held a confirmed booking for Flybe who want to take advantage of the rescue fare should contact BA’s Customer Service team, quoting their Flybe booking reference.
Flybe staff members will need to provide their airline ID.
Train operators
All of Britain’s train operators have agreed to provide free travel to Flybe staff and customers who are unable to travel over the next week.
They should show proof of their employment or planned journey (such as employee ID, boarding card or flight confirmation) to staff at the most appropriate railway station.
Robert Nisbet, director of nations and regions at the Rail Delivery Group, said: “We know how distressing the news about Flybe is for their staff and customers, which is why train operators have arranged free travel to help them get to their destinations.”
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