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Passengers left stranded after
airline collapse
17.02.19
SHOCKED passengers on the Flybmi service between
Derry and London have vented their fury at being
left stranded and out of pocket after the airline
went into administration last night.
Work commuters, people hoping to visit family and
holidaymakers have flocked to City of Derry
Airport’s social media pages seeking advice and
expressing outrage at the unexpected announcement.
Flybmi said that it had cancelled all its flights
and filed for administration, citing fuel rises,
carbon costs and uncertainty over Brexit.
One passenger who was due to fly from City of Derry
Airport to London Stansted said she booked three
flights in recent days with the airline and now
doesn’t know if she’ll get her money back.
“I am so angry. I booked three flights this week to
travel in the summer hols. I have contacted my bank
about a refund. They can't confirm whether I will be
able to get a refund. I paid via a debit card,” she
said.
Another said: “Very sad to hear this. (I) was
supposed to be flying in on Friday. (It) was great
flight.” |
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City of Derry Airport. |
A regular commuter on
the service said he felt sorry for the several
hundred airline staff members who were losing their
jobs.
“It's a terrible loss, the service made such a
difference to my work / homelife balance. The cabin
crew were fantastic and I feel for those who have
lost their jobs. I hope we get a service back soon
with another airline,” he said.
Another added: “Hope the staff are ok. This is
terrible news for the airport and the region.”
Many other passengers hoped another airline would
take over the route as soon as possible.
“Would Aer Lingus regional be an option for that
route?” asked one.
“Hope the staff are ok. This is terrible news for
the airport and the region,” said another.
“Crikey, that's bad news for the workers for sure.
But a more affordable airline is definitely needed.
Quickly.”
The affected airline urged people to contact their
card issuer to seek refunds. They also advised them
to check with booking providers for alternative
travel options. People with travel insurance were
urged to see if they can claim back for cancelled
flights.
Meanwhile, City of Derry Airport said it is
“currently reviewing options for resuming the
service with another airline as soon as possible”. |
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