Don’t travel to the airport.

That’s the advice for passengers due to fly out of Cork with Flybe this afternoon after Europe’s biggest regional airline ceased trading this morning, grounding all scheduled flights.

A Flybe flight from Cork Airport to Cardiff was due to depart later today. Passengers who have booked a seat onboard have been advised to make other arrangements.

.@flybe Flights Grounded
Flybe has ceased trading & has said that it has grounded all of its flights. It has advised its passengers not to travel to the airport unless they have arranged an alternative flight with another airline.
See https://t.co/nZXjNTbdem pic.twitter.com/iWe6zGpII5

— Cork Airport (@CorkAirport) March 5, 2020

Addressing the situation on social media, a Cork Airport spokesperson said: “Flybe has ceased trading and has said that it has grounded all of its flights.

“It has advised its passengers not to travel to the airport unless they have arranged an alternative flight with another airline.”

Commenting, Richard Moriarty Chief Executive at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “This is a sad day for UK aviation and we know that Flybe’s decision to stop trading will be very distressing for all of its employees and customers.

“We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Flybe flights are cancelled. For the latest advice, Flybe customers should visit the CAA website or the CAA’s Twitter feed for more information.

Will I get my money back?

If you booked directly with Flybe and paid by credit card you may be protected and should contact your card issuer for further information. Similarly, if you paid by debit or charge card you should contact your card issuer for advice as you may be able to make a claim.

If you purchased travel insurance that includes cover for scheduled airline failure, known as SAFI, you should contact your insurer.