And those on Blue Islands flights – booked through Flybe – will also not be able to benefit from the scheme after the date.

The Exeter-based airline confirmed the change but would not say why it had taken place. However, it did add that it was working to develop a new loyalty scheme.

A spokesman for the airline said: ‘Flybe can confirm that, with effect from 30 April 2019, we will no longer be an Avios partner and that after this date customers will no longer be able to collect or spend Avios with us.

‘Until the closure of the programme on 30 April, customers can still spend Avios and redeem them for Flybe flights operating through October, as well as on the wide range of reward flights, hotels, car hire and other travel experiences on avios.com.

‘For further information on what happens to Avios after 30 April 2019 customers are advised to contact Avios directly. Meanwhile, we are working on a new loyalty programme offering, the details of which will be shared when finalised.’

It is not known if the ending of the partnership is linked with the recently announced proposed sale of Flybe to a consortium of three companies – Virgin Atlantic, Cyrus and Stobart Group.

When the sale is completed it is expected that Flybe will initially become ‘Connect Airways’ before being rebranded to Virgin Atlantic.