FlybeBE

DEFUNCT AIRLINE: Flybe ceased operations on January 28, 2023, following its second collapse in three years. This guide provides historical information about one of Europe's largest regional airlines.

Flybe was a British regional airline headquartered initially in Exeter and later in Birmingham. At its peak, Flybe was Europe's largest independent regional airline, operating an extensive network of domestic UK routes and short-haul European services that connected smaller cities often overlooked by larger carriers.

The airline's history traced back to 1979 when it began as Jersey European Airways, providing services from the Channel Islands. It was rebranded as British European in 2000 and then as Flybe in 2002, adopting the purple livery that became synonymous with UK regional aviation.

Flybe was not a member of any global alliance, though it had codeshare agreements with several carriers including British Airways, Emirates, Finnair, and Cathay Pacific, allowing passengers to connect from its regional network to long-haul flights.

The airline suffered two collapses in rapid succession:

First Collapse (March 5, 2020): The original Flybe entered administration after failing to secure emergency government funding amid declining demand at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This collapse stranded thousands of passengers and eliminated service to numerous UK regional airports.

Revival (April 2022): A consortium called Thyme Opco acquired the Flybe brand and operating certificate, relaunching services in April 2022 from Birmingham with plans to rebuild the network.

Second/Final Collapse (January 28, 2023): The revived Flybe lasted less than a year, entering administration again after failing to build sufficient passenger numbers and facing high fuel costs. The airline cancelled all flights effective immediately, marking the permanent end of the Flybe brand.