Regional carrier Flybe said dozens of last-minute flight cancellations were down to pilot shortages and pilots taking holidays.

Most of the flights were domestic, and it appears that flights out of Belfast City Airport and Birmingham were the worst affected.

One passenger named ‘kanu’ expressed his frustration towards the airline on Twitter: “@flybe all these flights cancelled due to ‘operational reasons’??!! Somebody has made a massive cockup haven’t they? Who from senior management will take responsibility? Probably no-one. Yet massive disruption to customers and massive compensation payouts.”

Another traveller – Marina Gould – said: “@flybe hi – due to your website being unusable and your email/text RE flight cancellation being devoid of any information, can you advise how I can get my full refund please? Also it’s my birthday today so cheers for ruining that.”

In a statement, the airline said it sincerely apologised to all customers affected.

“We are doing our best to mitigate the impact of the current situation that has arisen due to a combination of factors, including seasonality, pilots’ end of leave year, Easter holidays, base restructuring and the shortage of pilots across the industry that Flybe has highlighted over recent months.”

Passengers who are affected will be able to rebook an alternative flight or apply for a full refund. They have been advised to check Flybe’s website for further details.

The airline was keen to stress that 95% of flights are operating as normal.