Council hits back as Ryanair axes flights

Sunday, 01 Sep, 2005 0

Cornwall County Council has hit back at Ryanair after the no frills carrier axed 12 weekly flights from Newquay Airport to Stansted.

Ryanair said its decision was a direct response to the introduction by the council of a £5 airport development fee for each departing passenger.

The carrier condemned the charge as an ‘anti-tourist tax’ but council bosses insisted the fee, which comes into effect on October 29, was critical to the viability and future success of the airport.

Executive member for the economy Andrew Mitchell said he was disappointed with Ryanair’s decision but added moves were already underway to fill the vacant slots.

“The decision to introduce an airport development fee has been tough, but Cornwall County Council feels this is essential in ensuring the future viability of the airport,” he said. “Newquay is one of the fastest growing regional airports, with passenger numbers expanding from 118,000 in 2002 to a predicted 334,000 in 2005. We have exciting plans to build on this success and would have been pleased to achieve this in partnership with Ryanair, as well as other airlines that currently fly from Newquay.”

He said talks were underway with a number of carriers about expanding flights to and from Newquay.

“The flights to London Stansted very popular with local residents and visitors and I am confident another airline will be interested in taking any slots freed up by Ryanair,” added Mitchell.

The low cost carrier’s move leaves it with only one daily flight – but even that is under review, according to deputy chief executive Michael Cawley.

He insisted there would be an “inevitable reduction” in demand.

“There is the possibility of further reductions in the future if demand deteriorates further,” said Cawley. “We have made it very clear to Cornwall County Council that their airport and region is part of a competitive price sensitive market that must compete with 84 other low fare destinations from Stansted.”

He estimated the charge will gain the council £250,000 but lose the economy £10 million.

Ryanair said it carried 100,000 passengers to Newquay each year.

Report by Steve Jones