Ashby Travel Agent: Flybe Collapse Is Sad But Coronavirus Is Major Concern For Industry

By Graham Hill

5th Mar 2020 | Local News

An Ashby travel agent has warned that the spread of Coronavirus is hitting the industry hard - on the day Flybe went into administration.

Carla Cole, senior partner of Villair Travel in Bath Street says that while there is sympathy for the airline which operated several flights from East Midlands Airport, it is the fear of Covid-19 that is a major concern.

East Midlands Airport has been telling anyone booked on a Flybe flight not to check-in and stay away on Thursday.

The speed of Flybe's eventual collapse was brought about by the effects of the Coronavirus bug.

And Carla says that is something the travel business is having to fight at the moment.

"While we're very sad about Flybe, it is Coronavirus that's hitting the industry hard at the moment, we've had people cancelling their trips because of that," she explained.

"A lot of people are worried about it, particularly if they have booked trips to the Far East or Italy."

But she added that Villair had been able to deal with clients who had booked through Flybe.

"For us, it's the trips to the Channel Islands that've been hardest hit," added Carla.

"We have been dealing with Flybe customers and managed to make alternative arrangements for them.

"So there have been no dramas in that sense, they've been looked after."

Ashby Nub News contacted other travel agents who said they were unable to comment on Flybe at a local level.

An East Midlands Airport statement read: "This is a difficult time for passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted.

"We will continue to provide information and assistance to anyone who has been affected.

"Passengers who were due to travel with Flybe back to EMA should contact their travel insurance company in the first instance.

"We regret the loss of Flybe which has played an important role connecting communities around the UK."

     

New ashby Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: ashby jobs

Share:

Related Articles

Ben Witcomb, who works at Linnaeus-owned Woodward Veterinary Practice in Ashby de la Zouch, and his partner Dan Roden volunteered at the Amazon Shelter in Peru
Local News

Vet nurse swaps Ashby de la Zouch for the Amazon to volunteer at shelter in Peru

North West Leicestershire MP Amanda Hack has met Rail Minister Lord Hendy to present the case for the Ivanhoe Line. Photo: Supplied
Local News

Ashby MP Hack presents case for Ivanhoe Line to Rail Minister - and launches local transport survey

Sign-Up for our FREE Newsletter

We want to provide ashby with more and more clickbait-free local news.
To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following.
Help us survive and sign up to our FREE weekly newsletter.

Already subscribed? Thank you. Just press X or click here.
We won't pass your details on to anyone else.
By clicking the Subscribe button you agree to our Privacy Policy.