Flybe to withdraw all routes from Doncaster Sheffield Airport
Struggling airline Flybe has confirmed it is to withdraw completely from operating any routes from Doncaster Sheffield Airport after October- which will see a total of ten routes cancelled.
Flybe said: “It was announced back in April that the airline’s base at Doncaster Sheffield Airport will close when the two jets based there are withdrawn and returned to the lessors at the end of October. This meant that the two remaining routes on sale for the winter to Amsterdam and Belfast City would be operated by smaller Q400 aircraft flying from another base.
“However, since going on sale, neither route has attracted sufficient forward bookings to warrant them continuing.”
Flybe will be withdrawing all services from Doncaster Sheffield Airport, with the last flight operating on Saturday 26 October 2019.
The decision was made after a major review of Flybe’s network and its commercial viability.
A spokeman for the airline said: “Flybe would sincerely apologise for the inconvenience to those customers affected and confirms that all are being contacted and offered the option of being rebooked on an alternative flight or receiving a full refund.”
A spokesperson for Doncaster Sheffield Airport said: “Despite the withdrawal of these two routes we are still expecting a record year having launched more new routes since August last year than any other UK airport.
“Flybe is currently going through a rescue strategy, making major changes to their business model to try and secure its future as part of the recent takeover. This coupled with challenges on slot availability and wider industry uncertainty has led to the removal of these routes from DSA and a number of others across UK Airports.
“From a DSA perspective, the Amsterdam and Belfast routes have proved popular with a 25% increase in passenger numbers over the summer versus last year, with near full aircraft.
“We look forward to another strong year for Doncaster Sheffield Airport, thanks to our continuing partnerships with our growing airlines Wizz Air and TUI.”
