Thomsonfly cuts back on Jersey flights

Thomsonfly is to reduce the number of flights it operates between the UK and Jersey, with the first services set to be cut later this month.

The airline had announced that its direct services to Luton and Cardiff will end on October 28, followed by Doncaster from March 2008; although its link to Coventry is planned to continue at this stage.

Bosses at Jersey Airport have expressed their disappointment at the move and have stressed that official figures show that Thomsonfly’s traffic has grown from 84,000 in 2006 to 122,000 year-to-date and enjoys a 12 per cent total market share.

Deputy Alan Maclean, Assistant Minister for Economic Development with responsibility for Jersey Airport, said: "Following a recent routes conference attended by members of the airport management team a number of existing and potential airlines have expressed a keen interest in expanding or setting up new routes into Jersey."

One of the reasons for this reduction in services is the decision by Thomsonfly to change its current fleet of 737-300s to the -800s series, which is not compatible with the length of Jersey’s runway.

© Cheapflights Ltd Craig McGinty

Comments

[Tracey Lister]

I am greatly disappointed to hear that of the cancellation of all flights from Doncaster Sheffield to Jersey after April 2008. I have family in Jersey and travel regularly from Doncaster to see them. This is a real shame for both the airport and the airline as I understand this is a very popular flight. I do not know of any other airline that flies regularly and is reasonably priced. I guess I won't be seeing my family as often as I have been in the last five years I have been flying with Thomsonfly. I would be interested to here of any other regional routes to Jersey should they become available.

[andrew]

Thomsonfly have let a lot of people down. I hope someone takes over the Doncaster - Jersey route ASAP.

[Joan Pinner]

We fly from Doncaster to Jersey several times a year and we were greatly upset at losing a fantastic service from Doncaster to Jersey. Now we are having to go from Leeds/Bradford or Manchester. Please could your firm reconsider. It surely was a viable service - the planes were full every time we boarded one - think about your customers please.