European travellers have once again been left stranded, after yet another airline was forced to cease operations & file for administration. This time, the blame was placed on Brexit.
British airline, flybmi, confirmed this week that it has had to shut down all operations due to financial difficulties.
In an online statemement, an airline spokesperson said it was with a “heavy heart” to ground all 17 regional aircraft, which left hundreds of travellers booked on 25 Europe routes, stranded.
The spokesperson explained that the decision was “unavoidable” as the airline had faced “several difficulties” (including spikes in fuel and carbon costs), some of which were a result of Britain’s withrawal from the European Union.
“These issues have undermined efforts to move the airline into profit.”
flybmi spokesperson
“Current trading and future prospects have also been seriously affected by the uncertainty created by the Brexit process, which has led to our inability to secure valuable flying contracts in Europe and lack of confidence around bmi’s ability to continue flying between destinations in Europe,” the spokesperson added.
“Against this background, it has become impossible for the airline’s shareholders to continue their extensive programme of funding into the business, despite investment totalling over £40m in the last six years.
“We sincerely regret that this course of action has become the only option open to us, but the challenges, particularly those created by Brexit, have proven to be insurmountable.”
“Our employees have worked extremely hard over the last few years and we would like to thank them for their dedication to the company, as well as all our loyal customers who have flown with us over the last six years.”
flybmi spokesperson
Customers who booked directly through the airline have been advised to request a refund for flights from their redit card provider. Those who booked via a Travel Advisor have been told to contact their travel provider or contact their travel insurance provider and find out if they’re eligible for cancelled flights.
- READ: Another European carrier collapses
- READ: Travel Advisors step in to rescue affected travellers
- READ: Travel Advisors step in to rescue affected travellers
