Flybe ceases trading and cancels all scheduled flights
Flybe Ceases Trading - Flybe customers have been advised NOT to travel to airports as flights will not be operating.
On January 27th, British airline Flybe announced that it had entered administration and would cease operations, less than a year since commencing flight services. All future scheduled flight services have been cancelled, and the airline emphasized in its announcement that they will not be rescheduled.
The airline stated, that it would not be able to help passengers arrange alternative flights. If you have booked a flight via a 3rd party, please contact your booking agent, for advice.
Flybe customers who still need to travel, will need to make their own alternative travel arrangements via other airlines, rail or coach operators.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority will provide advice and information to affected passengers. More information can be found on www.caa.co.uk/news when it is available.
This is the second downfall for the airline, having first collapsed in March 2020 as the then-struggling carrier failed to withstand the sudden plunge in passenger demand caused by the pandemic. Flybe was among the first few airlines to go out of business when the pandemic first emerged.
The airline was relaunched in 2021 as Flybe Limited and the reincarnated Flybe commenced flight services in April 2022, when it intended to serve 16 airports in the UK, France, and the Netherlands during the summer season, sadly, it seems the relaunch efforts have not been enough to ensure Flybe remained flying.
Flybe operated up to 530 flights per week across 23 routes, serving airports such as Belfast City, Birmingham, East Midlands, Glasgow, Heathrow and Leeds Bradford.
Strike Action that may affect Travel - General information and updates 21st September 2023 - A ground handling strike at Alicante Airport has led to concerns over delays and cancellations.
A statement on Jet2's website said: "We wanted to let you know that a ground handling strike action is taking place on the following dates listed below. This is supported by the security service at Alicante Airport and this may mean potential congestion in security."
The statement continued: "It would be one hour in the morning from 08.45 to 09.45 local time and one hour in the evening from 18:00 to 19:00 between September 2023 to January 2024."
Travellers have been told to check their airline's websites at least 12 hours before their flight for updates on strike action.
The following dates will be impacted by strike action:
What is not reported much is that the Spanish government department of transport set by law a "minimum service" during such strikes.
The minimum services set depend on the type of route - 100% for emergency flights, transfer of citizens or foreigners guarded by police officers or transport of universal postal mail or perishable products.
Commercial flights with routes to or from non-peninsular territories, the minimum services range between 52% from Lleida to 84% from La Coruña, depending on the estimated occupancy.
Routes with foreign or Spanish cities whose travel time by road is at least five hours, the minimum services are between 44% of La Palma and 57% of Alicante.
On journeys that can be replaced by other means of public transport in less than five hours,the minimum services are between 18% in Castellón and 30% in Vigo.
TUI has cancelled nearly 200 flights due to serve Manchester Airport between now and the end of June. It will cancel six daily flights up to June 30th
Tens of thousands of customers will be affected until the end of June as the half-term travel chaos continues.
Which Tui flights are affected?
Six Tui flights a day (43 per week) will be cancelled from Manchester airport until Thursday 30th June.
The company said the flight cancellation was due to “operational and supply chain issues” alongside the increase in the number of people travelling overseas.
A Tui spokesperson added: “We’re incredibly sorry to those customers who have been impacted by the recent disruption to our operations. We understand that last-minute cancellations are incredibly disappointing and we would like to reassure our customers that we are doing everything we can to get them on holiday as planned.
“Whilst every cancellation is regrettable, the vast majority of our flights are operating as planned, with more than 26,000 customers taking off yesterday on holiday.
“We’d like to apologise again for the inconvenience caused and we thank customers for their understanding.”
The aviation industry is facing widespread disruption with some 7,000 flights cancelled worldwide over the last weekend.
Airlines and airports are facing staff shortages as they adjust to the resurgence in demand following the lifting of Covid-19 pandemic travel restrictions.
A Tui spokesperson highlighted “ongoing disruption” to its operation at Manchester. But Tui has said that its flights from all other UK airports are planned to operate as normal.
Will I be refunded if my flight is cancelled?
Yes, Tui passengers whose flights have have been cancelled will receive a full refund within 14 days.
The company is to refund all customers who are affected by cancellations and provide “an extra gesture of goodwill”.
Holidaymakers who have already had their departure axed have already been given vouchers for £200.
Can I claim compensation?
If you were informed of a cancellation less than 14 days prior to your scheduled departure date, you have the right to compensation.
Tui has advised passengers who are due compensation to claim the cash.
There have been changes to the safety measures at Alicante airport aimed at restricting the spread of Covid 19
Updates 12th October - From Friday 15th The Spanish government are lifting restrictions on public access to airports, so non travellers can once more accompany family and friends right up to the first security check areas.
Until this time current rules apply ie only passengers with a valid boarding pass can enter the airport terminal.
COVID TESTING FACILITES AT AIRPORTS
Aena has provided Eurofins Megalab, Spain’s leading company for clinical analysis, designated spaces in twelve Spanish airports for the installation of laboratories for Covid-19 diagnostic testing.
This agreement confirms the commitment of Eurofins Megalab to fight the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, which contributes significantly to recuperation of aerial traffic of our country, the key element for reactivation of tourism activity and the country´s economy in general.
Eurofins Megalab has been already present at the following airports: Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, Alicante-Elche, Valencia, Bilbao, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, Tenerife Sur, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, César Manrique-Lanzarote and La Palma.
Eurofins Megalab has designed an ON LINE system for purchasing the test, booking an appointment and access to a consultation about the test results. Its objective is to minimize the risk of contagion and spreading of the virus.
27th March 2021 -Remember arriving at Alicante airport without the required testing could result in fines from 3,000 if it is considered a mild penalty, and up to 60,000 for serious breach of rules and even up to 600,000 euros if it is typified as very serious.
In the last three months, 55 British passengers have been banned from entering Alicante-Elche Airport, because they could not prove to be residents of the Costa Blanca.
13th July 2021 - Alicante-Elche airport among the 5 safest in Spain in the prevention against covidThe five-star rating is the highest awarded in the only global programme designed specifically for the airport sector.
These audits evaluate up to 175 different safety protocols introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce risk and improve the well-being of passengers and airport workers.
The health protocols implemented in Spain exceed the recommendations of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
What you need to know before you go to the airport
Specifics for Alicante-Elche Airport
The meeting point for companions is located on floor -2 (basement 2), central area.
Line buses pick up passengers on floor -2 (basement 2).
Closed costa Blanca and Ifach lounges and Meet & Assist service.
Fast Lane service available.
Lost and found service open.
Open general parking, long stay parking and express parking.
Bankia and Euronet ATMs located in open areas are operational.
Commercial services: open Pharmacy, Alicante Duty Free, Sunglass Hut, Natura, Lol Sweets, Encanto Alicante, WHSmith (shipping), Superskunk, PV21, Eat., Burger King (shipping), La Tagliatella espresso and Costa Coffee. Vending machines are provided as normal.
Alicante Airport New safety measures
Before heading to the airport
Do not go to the airport if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, or feeling short of breath.
The use of a mask that covers the nose and mouth is mandatory for people over 6 years of age (masks with an exhaling valve are not allowed).
Make sure you have enough masks and disinfectant gel for your trip. If the instructions do not indicate otherwise, you should change the masks every four hours or earlier if they get wet.
Read carefully the brochures and health materials that your airline will provide you. OneWorld, an alliance of 14 airlines including Iberia, British Airways, Qatar Airways and American Airlines, has created a Covid information portal to explain the measures taken to protect its passengers: https://www.oneworld.com/covid-19/oneworld-together
Check the health control requirements and the documentation of entry to the country you are traveling.
Sanitary control
As of June 7th, all passengers coming from a country or area of risk (with the exception of children under 12 years of age) must provide one of the following supporting documents with the requirements set by the health authority: be vaccinated against COVID-19, have recovered from COVID-19 or a diagnostic test (such as PCR or rapid antigen test), made 48 hours before traveling, whose result has been negative. At any time, the passenger may be asked to accredit these documents. Check the standard here.
If you fly to Spain from other countries, you must complete the Sanitary Control Form(FCS) associated with your trip. This form must be completed by each of the passengers, who will be responsible for ensuring that the information provided is truthful and accurate. In the event that the passenger is a minor, or a dependent/incapacitated person, the form can be filled out by his guardian, who will be responsible for the veracity of the information provided. In addition, you must pass an Exterior Health control with temperature taking through a thermal imaging camera imperceptible to the passenger and visual control.
If you fly from Spain, check the specific requirements and forms established by each Autonomous Community.
Countries of origin
If you come from a third country outside the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein, please note that border controls and travel restrictions may apply to third-country nationals. Check the list of countries whose residents are allowed to enter the Re-open EU website.
At Alicante Airport
As of October 15th, the access of companions to the airport terminals will be allowed, although their entry may be limited in times of great affluence to avoid crowds.
The use of a mask is mandatory throughout the airport enclosure (remember that masks with an exhaling valve are not allowed).
Respect the marks and footprints you will find throughout the airport to ensure 1.5 m distancing.
Keep the physical distance measures ,wear the mask and maintain the recommended hygiene measures (cough inside the elbow, wash your hands, etc.).
If you do not comply with the safety and hygiene measures, the airline, health authority or the state security forces and bodies may refuse you to continue with your trip.
Hydroalcoholic gel dispensers are available throughout the airport.
In the water fountains of the airport use only bottle or container.
On the plane
The airline will provide you with information material on preventive measures during the flight.
The use of surgical or superior protection masks on board aircraft is mandatory. Masks with exhaling valve are not allowed. Remember that you should change them every four hours, if the manufacturer does not indicate otherwise, or when they get wet or dirty.
Wash your hands often with the gel and cough on the inside of your elbow.
Keep an eye out for the cabin crew safety demonstration for specific flight instructions
Reduces as much as possible the use of individual air supply nozzles. Many airlines have, in any case, a HEPA filter that allows an exceptional cleaning of the air.
Airlines will endeavour to maintain maximum distance between passengers who are not family or do not travel together. If this is not possible, safety and hygiene measures will be reinforced.
Alicante-Elche airport will monitor tourists' fever with thermal imaging cameras
The devices will be in operation from July (2020) these will mainly be distributed in the arrivals area they will detect if a passenger arrives with a fever, if a fever is detected they will automatically be separated from the group to subject it to a control.
This will speed up the movement of tourists through the terminal as so far passengers are monitored one by one with thermometers, something that would block the terminal in the middle of the high season, although large crowds of passengers in the terminal are not expected this year, as the companies have cut their programming by 40% due to the crisis. of the covid-19.
An operator marks signs on the ground to direct passengers to the airport terminal. ALEX DOMÍNGUEZ
