Flybe, the UK’s Number One Domestic Airline, has stepped in by adding extra capacity on a number of key routes from both its London Gatwick and Southampton bases including those serving Aberdeen, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle to help keep people travelling confidently on the move now that it has become clear just what services British Airways will not be able to operate during upcoming staff strike action. 

With the planned disruption now just days away, Flybe announces it will be operating 262 flights across 10 routes to and from London Gatwick including seven a day to Jersey; four a day to Newcastle and three a day to Aberdeen and Dusseldorf.

At Southampton, Flybe offers the choice of 288 flights across 27 routes that include five a day to Edinburgh and Glasgow; six a day to Manchester and offers multiple frequencies to Amsterdam, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Dusseldorf.

Flybe reports bookings are strong as nervous travellers used to travelling from Heathrow are deciding to forego any possibility of being left in the lurch and instead turning to book with Flybe either from alternative regional airports or from London Gatwick where Flybe carries more domestic passengers than any other airline.

Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer, says: “Having been thrown into confusion about if, when, how and where their flights might be axed, frustrated passengers have been quick to take advantage of our commitment to ensure they will be able to travel.  We’re continually monitoring the need of just where to increase frequency and capacity to satisfy demand.”

Flybe’s reputation as an airline always prepared to step up to the task of providing quality, affordable and reliable travel has been confirmed a number of times on the global stage most recently by being the only UK carrier to feature in the Forbes 2009 Top 10 on time arrival list of Global Major Carriers.

Adds Mr Rutter: “Passengers either directly impacted by the strike action, or concerned that they might be in the future, are now assured a reliable and great value alternative.”