A TELEGRAPH & Argus reporter has fallen victim to Flybe’s administration which has put a dampener on his forthcoming 40th birthday celebrations.

Digital reporter Mark Stanford was due to fly to Belfast with his girlfriend using Flybe from Leeds Bradford Airport later this month to mark his milestone birthday.

But now he faces losing £201.52 used to pay for the flights after booking them via debit card.

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He said: “It’s disappointing that we’ve lost the money for the flights and we will now have to look for another airline to go with.

“But really it is only a small price to pay compared to those who work for Flybe who face having to find new jobs.

“I’m sure some will say it was a schoolboy error for me to book the flights using a direct debit card rather than a credit card, but you don’t see this type of thing coming.

“I guess I have learned my lesson on this one and hopefully we can still get to Belfast to mark my birthday.”

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

A drop in demand caused by the coronavirus “made a difficult situation worse” for Flybe, an airline source said.

Flybe, which operated regional services from airports across the United Kingdom, has entered administration.

All Flybe flights, and those operated by Stobart Air, are cancelled. Therefore, please do not go to the airport as your flight will not be operating.

Flybe customers are therefore urged to make their own alternative travel arrangements via other airlines, rail or coach operators.

Have you booked a Flybe flight? Contact us at newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk with your details