Flybmi collapse causes 36% uplift in calls - AXA

Calls increased by a third for AXA this weekend following the announcement that British regional airline Flybmi had fallen into administration.

Following its collapse on 16 February, the airline said in a release on its website that all flights have been cancelled both from and to the UK with the company no longer able to operate them.

Nel Mooy, head of travel at AXA Insurance, said: “Although the amount of customers affected by Flybmi going to administration was relatively small compared to Monarch, we still experienced a 36% uplift in calls on Monday morning.

”However, as the dust has settled, call volumes are returning to normal, with advice being issued on our website and social channels.”

Flybmi has advised customers not to travel to the airport unless they have arranged an alternative flight.

Brexit has been blamed for its collapse, according to The Guardian.

Customers have been urged to recover costs for lost flights via their credit or debit card provider.

Claims

The insurer offered further advice on how to make a claim via its website listing the relevant documentation such as booking confirmation and evidence from the credit or debit card provider that a claim has been declined.

Mooy, explained: “Our first priority is to make sure customers stranded due to Flybmi going into administration are offered help and advice on how to get home and recoup any additional costs.

“For those with queries regarding future travel, we have set up a dedicated page on our website and shared information across our social media accounts.”

The ABI published a statement online regarding the firm ceasing to trade.

It said: “The prime reason for taking out travel insurance is to have cover against medical bills for emergency treatment, which can quickly run to tens of thousands of pounds.’’

This is all depending on the insurance cover purchased.

The ABI advises customers to contact their travel insurer or travel agent as some policies cover for ’scheduled airline failure’.

The news follows Primera Air going bust in October last year, as well as Monarch Airlines going into administration the previous year during the same month.