Easyjet, a UK-based airline, has withdrawn its application for a licence to operate to and from Guernsey, The BBC has reported.
The airline was planning to fly between the island and Gatwick from 2014. The company carried out a commercial evaluation, taking into account uncertainty around plans to give exclusivity on the route to Guernsey airline, Aurigny, a spokesman reportedly said.
Easyjet purchased landing slots at Gatwick airport from Flybe in May for £20m. Flybe currently operates 34 flights per week to Gatwick from Guernsey and 28 flights a week from Jersey, but will stop flying the route from March 29, 2014. Flybe had sold the slots, blaming an increase in airport charges.
EasyJet’s withdrawal move comes as Guernsey treasury minister, Gavin St Pier, urged the protection of Aurigny from competition. He has sought changes to the policies followed by Guernsey’s air route licensing authority in relation to the Gatwick route.
In other news concerning the budget carrier, Chronicle Live reported that easyJet would take over FlyBe’s cancelled Newcastle to Gatwick route.
Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK commercial manager said: ‘We are pleased to add London Gatwick to the list of destinations served from Newcastle International Airport and continue to demonstrate our commitment to the North East of England.
‘As London remains one of the North East’s key trading partners we have designed a frequent schedule which will make it easy for business travellers to reach the capital and affordable for everyone whether they travel for business or leisure.’
The airline will introduce flights to the capital’s second airport from the end of March 2014, with services twice a day, six days a week. Tickets for the new route, easyJet’s 15th from Newcastle International Airport, have gone on sale, with fares starting from £27.49 per person, the report said.
