British regional carrier Flybe is the first big airline to declare bankruptcy as a result of disruption to travel caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
“The impact of Covid-19 on Flybe’s trading means that the consortium can no longer commit to continued financial support.”
Virgin spokesman
The dire financial condition of the airline is not new, their shareholders have infused cash into the company as recently as January and they have received government support. The fear around coronavirus led to a jump in cancelations and a drop in bookings which has proved to be the proverbial straw on the camel’s back, making continued financial support of the embattled carrier no longer feasible.