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24/05/2013
Wilson 'Disappointed' Over Flybe Decision
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has said he is disappointed with Flybe's decision to cancel its Belfast to London Gatwick route.
Yesterday, it was revealed the airline had sold its 25 arrival and departure slots at the airport to Easyjet.
The move means that a total of 26 weekly flights from Belfast to London will cease from March 2014.
Mr Wilson said: "I am very disappointed that Flybe has taken the decision to cancel this important service from Belfast City Airport to London Gatwick.
"That said, we still have a number of other airlines that fly to Gatwick from our airports so our connection to this important hub will be maintained. Looking forward, and with Flybe maintaining their service to March next year, I hope that we will see other airlines step in to fill the gap that has been left by this unfortunate decision. Our local aviation industry has proven to be very competitive in this regard in the past."
Flybe has faced difficulties since 2010 due to increasing fuel costs, falling passenger numbers and higher airport duty. As a result, it is cutting jobs as well as reviewing its current UK network base.
Last year, the airline dropped its Belfast City Airport to Bristol flight route after it found passenger levels were unsustainable.
(JP/CD)
Yesterday, it was revealed the airline had sold its 25 arrival and departure slots at the airport to Easyjet.
The move means that a total of 26 weekly flights from Belfast to London will cease from March 2014.
Mr Wilson said: "I am very disappointed that Flybe has taken the decision to cancel this important service from Belfast City Airport to London Gatwick.
"That said, we still have a number of other airlines that fly to Gatwick from our airports so our connection to this important hub will be maintained. Looking forward, and with Flybe maintaining their service to March next year, I hope that we will see other airlines step in to fill the gap that has been left by this unfortunate decision. Our local aviation industry has proven to be very competitive in this regard in the past."
Flybe has faced difficulties since 2010 due to increasing fuel costs, falling passenger numbers and higher airport duty. As a result, it is cutting jobs as well as reviewing its current UK network base.
Last year, the airline dropped its Belfast City Airport to Bristol flight route after it found passenger levels were unsustainable.
(JP/CD)
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