UK seeing major cuts in flights to Europe

Monday, 3rd August 2009

According to new figures from aviation industry analysts OAG, nearly 140 routes connecting Britain with the European continent have been discontinued during the last year. Flights to other destinations have been cut as well, as carriers try to compensate for the decline in passenger traffic by reducing costs.

Regional airports across the UK have been hit the hardest by the disappearing routes, as airlines contract after more than 20 years of expansion. For many air travellers, the cut in services means reduced competition, fewer flight choices and higher airfares. Many are also forced to make the journey to London, or to other regional airports, less conveniently located for them. It has raised concerns among those who have purchased second homes based on routes that made commutes realistic.

For example, both Coventry and Shoreham-by-Sea have lost all of their international services in the last year.

Simon Evans, the Air Transport Users Council (AUC) chairman, commented: “We don’t want to get back to 10 or 15 years ago when, if you were able to fly from a regional airport, then it would be hugely expensive – that would be a real shame.”

He added: “But if Ryanair is hurting, you can be sure that everyone else is.”

← Breakfast only on short BA flights
→ Better rail options could reduce air travel
↑ August 2009 news index

Compare Airport Parking & Hotels