Loganair has stepped in to secure five Flybmi services after the regional carrier collapsed into administration on Saturday (February 16).
The Scottish carrier, a Flybmi codeshare partner, will safeguard routes from Aberdeen to Bristol, Oslo and Esbjerg, and from Newcastle to Stavanger and Brussels.
Aberdeen services will recommence on March 4 and Newcastle services on March 25. Routes were due to go on sale on Monday (February 18).
Flybmi confirmed on Saturday it had cancelled all flights, ceased operations and filed for administration amid pressures brought on by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Brexit, as well as spiralling fuel costs.
MORE: Flybmi ceases operations and files for administration citing Brexit
Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair managing director, said: “It’s always really sad to see an airline go out of business, and our thoughts are with all those affected – particularly staff members.
“We are evaluating Flybmi’s wider network and assessing routes which align with Loganair’s distinct geographical area and overall strategic plans. We are also working on employment opportunities for pilots, cabin crew and engineering support staff to strengthen the Loganair team.”
Loganair fly the Aberdeen-Bristol route six days a week, excluding Saturdays, with two southbound services on Sundays.
It will operate daily weekday services between Aberdeen and Esbjerg and six weekday services a week to Oslo.
Flybmi cited "insurmountable" challenges posed by various factors, including Brexit, for its collapse. It operated a fleet of 17 aircraft serving 25 European cities. Bmi Regional employed 376 people in the UK, Germany, Sweden and Belgium.
The airline’s demise came barely a day after it was announced government funding to maintain its Derry-Stansted route had been extended. Talks are under way to seek a replacement airline.
Meanwhile, both Ryanair and easyJet have announced rescue fares to assist stranded Flybmi passengers, or prospective passengers whose flights have been cancelled.
Ryanair is offering fares from £9.99 on UK domestic routes (Belfast-Stansted) and European routes (Milan Bergamo and Nuremberg) from £14.99.
EasyJet is offering £80 fares on flights between Bristol and Paris Charles de Gaulle until March 17.