The Government's Transport Minister has given advice to Flybe customers and updated MPs on the latest developments regarding the Exeter-based airline.

Paul Maynard told MPs Flybe remains a "going concern" but urged passengers to continue with their travel plans using the airline.

Responding to an urgent Commons question, he said: "Let me stress, Flybe remains a going concern. Flights continue as scheduled, passengers should continue to go to the airport as usual."

Mr Maynard said talks were at a "commercially sensitive" stage so he was unable to comment further but stressed there are "limits to what the Government can do".

Yesterday, The Editor of magazine Which? Travel  also issued advice to Flybe customers amid rumours the Exeter-based regional airline is on the brink of collapse.

Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel, said: "The speculation that Flybe might be the next airline to go under will be a huge concern for its customers and for those who regularly use airports where the airline is the main carrier.

"While flights will be going ahead as normal for the time being, this is a stark reminder for passengers to ensure they have protections such as airline failure insurance and to book flights with a credit card so that they can reclaim the cost with their card issuer should an airline go bust."

Flybe, Europe's biggest regional airline, has reportedly held talks with the government over whether it can receive emergency financing.

Tony Bell, national secretary of union Prospect, said: "These reports are very troubling and will cause yet more worry for Prospect members at Flybe less than a year after the company was taken over with the promise of additional funding.