Here's what to do if you had a Flybe flight booked

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Regional airline Flybe has announced that it has ceased to operate after failing to raise additional funding. The company declared its collapse in the early hours of Thursday morning (5 March), stating that travel cancellations due to coronavirus was the final straw for the financially unstable company.

Following the announcement, the airline immediately grounded all flights and told passengers not to travel to airports if they had upcoming journeys booked.

Flybe carried around eight million passengers a year, between 71 airports across the UK and Europe. Its collapse could leave thousands of people forced to find alternative ways to travel and out of pocket for fares.

So what are your rights if you had a Flybe flight booked?

Will I lose my flight booking?

Yes, the collapse of an airline means all planes are grounded and services are cancelled. There are currently no alternatives for most people other than to book another flight - although there have been a few generous offers from different airlines, train and bus companies.

Avanti West Coast trains is offering free travel today (5 March) until 11 March to Flybe passengers, while Easyjet will give free flights to stranded Flybe staff members today and Friday (6 March).

National Express have also offered free coach travel to anyone booked on to a domestic flight where there is a comparable coach route available.