'Hammer blow for our local economy': Council leaders react to Flybe

Council leaders have issued a joint statement expressing their concerns regarding breaking news this morning that Flybe have lost the fight to remain financially viable.

The announcement of their collapse was made today (March 5) with all flights immediately cancelled and travellers advised not to turn up to the airport.

The airline has a major impact on the Honiton area and the ramifications will be devastating and widely felt.

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: "We're extremely saddened by the announcement that Flybe has gone into administration.

"It is a hammer blow for our local economy and devastating for Flybe employees and passengers.

"Our priority is to ensure that support is available for those affected by job losses, and we will be working with our partners.

"We hope that Government and the industry can act swiftly to ensure that these vital links from Exeter Airport can be maintained."

Councillor Ben Ingham, Leader of East Devon District Council, said:

"This is very sad news and has huge significance for the District and the wider region.

"My first thoughts are for the people who have lost their livelihoods. We will work closely with our partners to provide a redundancy support programme for all those affected.

"We will also engage with national government to ensure that there is a package of support to mitigate the impact of this economic shock and to ensure that Exeter Airport continues to perform its vital role in providing connectivity to key destinations and markets."

Exeter City Council has offered its support to employees of the collapsed airline Flybe. Council Leader Phil Bialyk said he was "devastated" by the news that Flybe have gone into administration.

"I'm devastated for all the families who've got jobs at Exeter Airport – well over a thousand here in Exeter alone. 2,500 in general across the country.

"That has an impact. All those families are going to be worrying about what is going to be happening next to their career and their livelihood."