Flybe, Europe's biggest regional airline, has collapsed into administration.

The carrier narrowly avoided going bust in January but has continued to lose money.

A drop in demand caused by the coronavirus "made a difficult situation worse" for Flybe and administrators announced in the early hours of Thursday that it had ceased trading with immediate effect.

Crisis talks were held throughout the day on Wednesday to try to secure a rescue package, but no deal was agreed.

Flybe were due to have one flight out of Cork later today, bound for Cardiff.

Cork Airport has urged passengers not to travel to the airport without alternative plans.

“Flybe has ceased trading and has said that it has grounded all of its flights,” Cork Airport said on social media.

“It has advised its passengers not to travel to the airport unless they have arranged an alternative flight with another airline.

“There is more information here www.flybe.com.” There are further flights due to leave Cork Airport later this week and they also look certain to not go ahead.