Penarth's largest local airline operator, FlyBe, has fallen into administration and Cardiff Airport have issued a statement over the massive effect this will have on the local area.

In 2015, Flybe had announced they would set up base in Cardiff in a bid to save the struggling airport. The 10-year agreement with Cardiff Airport had created 50 new jobs, including flight crew.

Then in 2019, the company announced that they would remove their permanent base from the airport due to financial issues.

Over the past year, more than a quarter of Cardiff Airport's passengers took Flybe flights.

Deb Bowen Rees, CEO of Cardiff Airport, said: "We are deeply saddened by today's announcement that Flybe has ceased operations, impacting its operations across the UK. Our thoughts are with our many friends and colleagues at Flybe as well as our customers who have had their travel plans disrupted.

"As one of the UK's largest regional airlines, Flybe is a well-known brand across South Wales and has made a hugely positive impact on Cardiff Airport and confidence in the Airport over recent years.

"We are actively talking to a number of airlines about the opportunity that exists in flying to and from South Wales. Given the Flybe news, we will focus on filling the core domestic routes which Flybe serve for the region.

"Flights to Anglesey, Teeside and Aberdeen will continue to operate as normal with Eastern Airways. Customers due to fly with Flybe to other destinations are advised not to travel to the Airport. All flights with other operators are flying as normal.

"To reconfirm, from 5th March 2020, Flybe has ceased trading and all flights are cancelled.

"Customers are also advised to monitor the Civil Aviation Authority website for further information (www.caa.co.uk)."

Advice for customers due to fly from Cardiff with Flybe:

• Customers are advised not to travel to the Airport

Flights to Anglesey, Teeside and Aberdeen will continue to operate as normal with Eastern Airways

• Customers that were due to fly from Cardiff and have not pre-booked and paid for car parking in advance can exit our car parks free of charge, please press the assistance button at the exit barrier

• Customers that were due to fly from Cardiff today that have pre-booked and paid for car parking in advance should contact the company used to make the booking.

Advice for customers due to return to Cardiff with Flybe

• Your return flight with Flybe will not operate as planned

Flights from Anglesey, Teeside and Aberdeen will continue to operate as normal with Eastern Airways

• Customers who arrive back in Cardiff Airport after your expected return date will have any additional car parking fees waived on exit. Please press the assistance button at the exit barrier.

People from Penarth who were due to fly with Flybe or employees of the company are given the following advice.

Customers:

If you are due to fly with Flybe, please DO NOT TRAVEL TO THE AIRPORT unless you have arranged an alternative flight with another airline.

Please note that Flybe is unfortunately not able to arrange alternative flights for passengers.

If you have a booking sold by another airline that includes travel on a Flybe flight, please contact the relevant airline or travel agent to confirm if there is any impact on your travel plans.

Customers are also advised to monitor the [L]https://www.caa.co.uk/News/Advice-to-UK-consumers-following-Flybe-entering-administration/[L+]Civil Aviation Authority[L]. for further information

If you require any further information or assistance, please contact the Administrators by phone on 0207 951 7801 or by email at [email protected].

Employees:

In the event that you were an employee of the Company and you require any further information or assistance in relation to the Administration, please contact the Administrators on 0161 333 2596 or by email at [email protected].