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.

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"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."

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