British airline FlyBMI cancels all flights as company files for administration due to rising fuel costs and uncertainty over Brexit
- British regional airline Flybmi is suspending all operations, it announced today
- The firm delivers passenger flights to 24 destinations in Britain and in Europe
- In a statement, a spokesman pointed at Brexit and rising carbon and fuel costs
British regional airline Flybmi has announced today that it is suspending all of its operations and filing for administration, with the firm blaming rising fuel costs and the uncertainty of the Brexit process.
The airline is based at East Midlands Airport and has a number of outposts throughout Britain and Europe.
It delivers passenger flights to 24 destinations, including Brussels, Leeds, Munich and Bristol.
British regional airline Flybmi has cancelled all flights and entered administration, it announced today
A spokesperson for FlyBMI said: ‘It is with a heavy heart that we have made this unavoidable announcement today.
‘The airline has faced several difficulties, including recent spikes in fuel and carbon costs, the latter arising from the EU’s recent decision to exclude UK airlines from full participation in the Emissions Trading Scheme.
‘These issues have undermined efforts to move the airline into profit.
‘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 statement added: ‘Additionally, our situation mirrors wider difficulties in the regional airline industry which have been well documented.
‘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 £40 million in the last six years.
It delivers passenger flights to 24 destinations in the UK and Europe but says fuel costs and Brexit uncertainty means it has to cease all operations
‘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.’
British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa) general secretary Brian Strutton said: ‘The collapse of FlyBMI is devastating news for all employees.
‘Regrettably Balpa had no warning or any information from the company at all.
‘Our immediate steps will be to support FlyBMI pilots and explore with the directors and administrators whether their jobs can be saved.’
The airline has partnerships with companies including Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines.