MoD flights grounded amid Flyglobespan's collapse

The collapse of Flyglobespan will affect families on the Falkland Islands, it emerged today.

The company had operated twice-weekly flights for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) since winning a four-year contract in 2008.

But the flights are now grounded, sparking fears that islanders and military personnel will be unable to travel over the festive period.

The flights left RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire calling at the Ascension Islands en route to the Falklands.

The aircraft carried up to 184 civilian and government passengers on each charter flight, as well as carrying freight.

It was the only flight option for islanders other than Chilean carrier Lan, which calls at Santiago.

Flyglobespan cabin crews are reportedly stranded in the Falklands and on the Ascension Islands.

A spokeswoman for the MoD confirmed the Falklands link and said: "We are aware that Flyglobespan has gone into administration and we are currently assessing the wider impact on MoD business."

When it was announced in October last year, the contract was described as the "most economical advantageous solution" to the MoD's passenger, aero-medical and freight requirements.

Flyglobespan had previously been given a five-month MoD contract flying to Qatar in the Middle East.

Other crews are also said to be stuck in India and Saudi Arabia.