bmibaby to pull out
15.09.06
Low-cost airline bmibaby is to scrap all of its flights from Durham Tees Valley Airport, because of a shortage of passengers. Operations will be scaled down from October, a move which will is likely to mean the loss of 50 jobs.
The airline began operations at Durham Tees Valley Airport in 2003, quickly expanding, with the introduction of a second aircraft and 8 destinations. However, because of insufficient passenger numbers, flights to Cork, Paris and Gatwick will cease on October 29. Flights to Alicante, Malaga and Palma will end on November 6.
Airport bosses described the move as 'quite inexplicable' and questioned the airline's route development. A spokesman for Durham Tees Valley said: 'It was only in April 2006 that bmibaby doubled its capacity out of the airport, with the introduction of a second based aircraft to meet passenger demand. This makes the decision all the more confusing.'
The descision comes as the airline 'focuses on airports with proven demand'. It will redeploy the two planes to its other UK bases. The bmi service from Durham Tees Valley to London Heathrow will continue to operate.
The airline has assured passengers that they will receive a full refund, which will be automatically credited to the original form of payment within 28 days. Those with bookings that cross the cancellation dates need to contact bmibaby direct before their date of travel in order to claim a refund.
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