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Daily Mirror

Business

Emma Munbodh

Flybe crisis: Hundreds of jobs and flights under threat after shock cancellations

Hundreds of jobs and dozens of flights have been thrown into chaos at Flybe after it suddenly cancelled journeys this morning with little warning or explanation.

The airline announced around 27 flights had been called off - many to depart in the next few hours - while more could be cancelled over the next 24 hours.

In a statement, Flybe bosses said the flights had been cancelled due to "operational reasons".

Cancellations include five journeys from Belfast City Airport and four from Birmingham - the airline said it "sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused".

It said travellers affected have now been contacted - with customers offered refunds or alternative bookings.

When asked for further explanation, it blamed annual leave and a shortage of pilots for the disruptions.

Flybe is rumoured to be closing several UK bases (Flybe)

"All customers affected have been emailed and advised they can rebook for travel on an alternative flight or apply for a full refund," the company said in a statement.

Meanwhile, other cancellations include departures from Southampton, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Newcastle.

"We are doing our best to mitigate the impact of the current situation that has arisen due to a combination of factors including seasonality, pilots’ end of leave year, Easter holidays, base restructuring and the shortage of pilots across the industry that Flybe has highlighted over recent months," a statement said.

"We have already identified several mitigation actions and will be issuing further updates throughout the day.

"All those affected have been emailed and advised they can re-book for travel on an alternative flight or apply for a full refund."

Bosses also warned there could be further days throughout the day.

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Bigger plans to closes UK bases and axe jobs

However, there are concerns today's announcement could be linked to wider plans to scrap all jet flights from Exeter, Cardiff and Doncaster airports.

According to sources, pilots have today been told the decision comes after a "critical review of the business performance".

The Daily Mirror's sister title Wales Online reports that staff at Cardiff Airport have now been put into consultation - with 100 jobs at risk, which may have led to walkouts.

Passengers travelling on Cardiff flights on Wednesday morning also claim cabin crew told them they would be "made redundant in October".

According to UK Aviation News, pilots will not be made redundant by the changes, while cabin crew will. Staff are reported to have been told in meetings from 4am this morning, which has also sparked "operational' cancellations".

Mirror Money has asked Flybe if the cancellations are linked to the proposed base closures.

British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) general secretary, Brian Strutton, said: "We’re very disappointed to learn that Flybe has decided to close two of its bases (Cardiff and Doncaster), and scaling back at Exeter.

"This will come as a shock to all staff. BALPA will be working closely with the airline to ensure pilots’ jobs are protected and that this difficult process is handled as professionally as possible."

Flybe recently made headlines after being taken over by Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic and Stobart Group. The consortium had said it wanted to put the airline in a "better place". You can find out what this means for your flights and bookings, here.