Air Transport

UK holiday carrier Thomsonfly is axing its services from the regional Coventry Airport, ending major scheduled airline flights from the Midlands city.

Its withdrawal is a decisive blow to Coventry's development plans, coming in the wake of similar abandonment by budget carrier Wizz Air, and a court ruling blocking construction of a new terminal.

Thomsonfly, which operates to several European and Mediterranean destinations from Coventry, will end outbound flights on 2 November.

"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," says Thomsonfly managing director Chris Browne.

Thomsonfly has not stated whether the decision is likely to result in job losses, but says it is working with staff in a bid to find replacement positions.

Tour operator TUI Group, with which Thomsonfly is affiliated, owned Coventry Airport before selling it to a joint venture company two years ago.

Coventry Airport executive chairman Brian Cox says the airport's operating company "regrets but understands" the move. He concedes that the expensive and time-consuming process of applying for a new terminal building at the airport - an application ultimately rejected this month - has "not helped".

"While accepting that [Thomsonfly's] decision is based on a review of their present strategy, the door is open should they wish to return," he says. Cox maintains that he is "still very positive" and convinced that the airport has a "bright future".