Majority of flybmi staff laid off after airline’s collapse

Most of flybmi’s 376 employees have lost their jobs following the airline’s collapse, administrators have announced.

Hundreds of passengers were left stranded after the airline ceased trading on Saturday.

British Midland Regional Limited, which operated as flybmi, employed a total of 376 employees based in the UK, Germany, Sweden and Belgium.

A statement announcing the appointment of restructuring firm BDO as administrators on Monday said the “majority” have been made redundant.

Tony Nygate, BDO business restructuring partner, said: “As joint administrators, we are taking all necessary steps to ensure customers, staff and suppliers are supported through the administration process.

“Our job is to maximise recoveries and minimise distress for all parties, acting as smoothly and swiftly as possible.

“Customers can find information on the flybmi website regarding the steps they need to take to apply for a refund from their payment provider or travel company.

“We are also working with the company’s employees to provide them with guidance on how to make a claim for monies which may be due to them.

“In addition, we are contacting suppliers to explain how to apply for monies owed to them.”

Flybmi operated flights on routes to 25 European airports including Aberdeen, Bristol, City of Derry, East Midlands, London Stansted and Newcastle.

The East Midlands-based airline said difficulties including increases in fuel and carbon costs, plus challenges – “particularly those created by Brexit” – had led to the announcement that it was filing for administration.