Passengers seek flights after Flybmi ceases operations

Passengers stranded across Europe have told of their frustration after the UK regional airline Flybmi collapsed, cancelling all its flights.

 The airline, which flew to 25 cities, said Brexit uncertainty and rises in fuel and carbon costs led to it filing for administration on Saturday.

One Briton stuck in Belgium said the airline would not refund her fare and she could not afford an alternative.

Flybmi's move puts 376 jobs at risk and comes as other airlines face problems.

On Sunday, Loganair stepped in to take over three Flybmi routes from Aberdeen to Bristol, Oslo and Esbjerg. However, these will not start until 4 March.

The two carriers are owned by the same holding company, Airline Investments.

Flybmi has told affected travellers to contact their insurance and credit card companies. Flybmi, based near East Midlands Airport, operated 17 aircraft.

Durham University student Mary Ward says she discovered her flight could be affected when her she received a BBC News alert.

She then received a text from the airline that said: "URGENT: Important message for Flybmi customers. All flights are cancelled. Please go to www.flybmi.com for further details. Thank you."

Ms Ward had been set to fly from Brussels to Newcastle but is unsure how she will return to the UK.

"I paid £130 for my flight which it doesn't seem I'm going to get back - I don't know how I am going to get back to Durham," she said.

"I can't afford any of the flights or the Eurostar."