Thomsonfly pulls out
16.10.08
Thomsonfly is axing all of its operations from Coventry Airport from the start of November. The decision means that Coventry will be left without any passenger airline, although its business aviation and cargo operations will continue. The news comes a week after the airport lost a High Court appeal to build a passenger terminal capable of handling two million passengers a year.
Thomsonfly runs the only passenger service at the midlands hub, where it began operations in March 2004 when it also operated the airport in an agreement with its local authority owner. The airline said the decision to pull out reflected its increased focus on charter flights, rather than the scheduled flights operating from Coventry.
The final Thomsonfly flights take off from Coventry on November 2, with inbound flights axed after November 9. Passengers booked on flights after 2 November will receive a refund or alternative flight, Thomsonfly said. Those affected should contact the airline's customer service department. A spokesman said it would try to find its staff at the airport other jobs within the company.
The airport has said it regrets, but understands, the decision. Executive chairman Brian Cox said: ‘The length of time and cost involved in seeking improved terminal facilities has not helped and obviously we are disappointed by the outcome of the appeal to the High Court, as I am sure our passengers, the local business community and those directly or indirectly involved with the airport are too.’ He said that the airport still had a bright future.
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