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One of Aer Lingus’ operators Stobart Air collapsed on Friday night, throwing regional flights into chaos this weekend.

The Irish airline was forced to cancel several flights from Dublin and Belfast City airports.

The travel industry blow has also impacted Leeds Bradford Airport after flights operated by Stobart Air between Belfast and Leeds were cancelled.

A message has been posted at the top of Leeds Bradford Airport’s website reading: “Aer Lingus Regional flights operated by Stobart Air are cancelled.

“Replacement flights operated by BA CityFlyer are available.”

The sudden announcement led to the cancellation of several flights on Saturday from Dublin and Belfast city to other UK destinations including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newquay, Manchester, Birmingham and Exeter.

Those who have booked flights are being advised not to travel to the airport and check the Aer Lingus website.

Aer Lingus has announced details of replacement flights to several regional airports which will be operated by the Irish airline and BA CityFlyer.

An Aer Lingus spokesperson said: “Of the 12 routes immediately impacted by Stobart Air’s decision to cease trading, Aer Lingus will operate five routes and for at least the next week, BA CityFlyer will operate two.

“Alternative operations for the outstanding routes are still being determined.

“All impacted customers are being contacted directly and offered details of an alternative flight where feasible.

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“All impacted customers also have the option of a full refund.”

There has been some concern that hundreds of jobs could be lost as a result of Stobart Air’s liquidation.

A spokesperson for Stobart Air said: “It is with great regret and sadness that Stobart Air can confirm that the board is in the process of appointing a liquidator to the business and the airline is to cease operations with immediate effect.

“Stobart Air apologises to all its customers for the inconvenience caused at short notice.

“All 480 staff at the airline have been informed.

“Last April, Stobart Air announced that a new owner had been identified.

“However, it has emerged that the funding to support this transaction is no longer in place and the new owner is now unable to conclude the transaction.

“Given the continued impact of the pandemic which has virtually halted air travel… and in the absence of any alternative purchasers or sources of funding, the board of Stobart Air must take the necessary, unavoidable and difficult decision to seek to appoint a liquidator.”

Aer Lingus has shared new flight times on their website for the next few days.

Operations for June 13 (local time):

Operated by Aer Lingus:

EI256 Dublin – Edinburgh Depart 14:55

EI317 Edinburgh – Belfast City Depart 16:45

EI316 Belfast City – Edinburgh Depart 18:40

EI259 Edinburgh – Dublin Depart 20:15

EI314 Belfast City – Birmingham Depart 14:30

EI315 Birmingham – Belfast City Depart 16:15

EI304 Belfast City – Manchester Depart 18:30

EI305 Manchester – Belfast City Depart 20:15

Operated by BA CityFlyer:

BA4479 Belfast City – Exeter Depart 14:30

BA4478 Exeter – Belfast City Depart 16:15

BA4473 Belfast City – Leeds Bradford Dep 18:15

BA4472 Leeds Bradford – Belfast City Dep 19:50

Operations for June 14 (local time):

Operated by Aer Lingus:

EI256 Dublin – Edinburgh Depart 07:00

EI317 Edinburgh – Belfast City Depart 08:50

EI316 Belfast City – Edinburgh Depart 10:50

EI259 Edinburgh – Dublin Depart 12:35

EI312 Belfast City – Birmingham Depart 08:00

EI313 Birmingham – Belfast City Depart 09:50

EI302 Belfast City – Manchester Depart 11:55

EI303 Manchester – Belfast City Depart 13:40

Operated by BA CityFlyer:

BA4473 Belfast City – Leeds Bradford Depart 09:30

BA4472 Leeds Bradford – Belfast City Depart 11:00

BA4479 Belfast City – Exeter Depart 12:40

BA4478 Exeter – Belfast City Depart 14:20

Operations for June 15 (local time): Flight times to be confirmed as soon as possible.

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