Thomsonfly to stop flying from Coventry Airport

Thomsonfly (website: www.thomsonfly.com) has announced that it will end its scheduled flights from Coventry Airport from the beginning of next month.

The airline said that since the merger of Thomson (Web site: www.thomson.co.uk) and First Choice more emphasis has been placed on charter flights, with less attention on scheduled services.

The last outbound flights operated by Thomsonfly from Coventry Airport will be on November 2 while the last inbound flights to the airport will be on November 9, except for inbound flights from Jersey which will operate up to and including November 3.

Chris Browne, managing director of Thomsonfly, said: "With an increased focus on charter holiday flights, there is now a growing need for our aircraft on these routes and consequently our scheduled operations at Coventry Airport will regrettably terminate.

"We will work with all our customers to ensure minimal disruption to any bookings and hope the many loyal people that have travelled with us from Coventry, will continue to benefit from our great value flights departing from other UK airports. We have had an excellent relationship with the airport to date and we would like to thank them for their support."

Officials at Coventry Airport said that it understood the decision by Thomsonfly, and that the airline would be welcome back, although the airport felt a block on its expansion plans may have been a contributing factor.

Brian Cox, executive chairman of Coventry Airport, said: "The length of time and inordinate 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.

"However, I would like to emphasise that we are still very positive, focused on our goals and convinced that Coventry Airport has a bright future. One that the people of Coventry and Warwickshire can share in and be proud of."

© Cheapflights Ltd Craig McGinty

Comments

[Mrs Todd]

I am very sorry to hear you are no longer flying from Coventry. My family and I have always found the staff and hostesses to be first class in all aspects of our care.

[Simon Thomas]

It's a real shame that Thomson couldn't find themselves able to continue at Coventry. They provided a great service and the withdrawal just feels like another nail in the coffin for local industry in a very depressing economic period.