Originally Posted by
adfly
They did indeed. I believe the route did well for them point to point, but I guess the connections are what add extra value for KLM, and with AMS being at capacity it probably made sense to re-allocate the hard to find capacity (AMS had reached the slot limit at the time) to a destination where they would get more onward connecting traffic.
However, I would argue that the situation in the next few months as traffic begins to recover would look somewhat more favourable should they choose to restart AMS-SOU.
- Flybe are no longer flying 4-5 daily flights in competition so they will have 100% of the market rather than ~30-35%.
- Overall demand for air travel is down so the AMS slot situation will have relaxed for the time being.
- I believe the Dutch Govt has also given permission for AMS to grow from 500k to 540k annual ATM's as long as they can achieve their targeted reduction in emissions at the same time. This further lessens any slot concerns in the longer term.
- With slots available KLM could serve AMS-SOU 3x daily, possibly with an overnight stopping aircraft, and this may stimulate additional onward connection demand through offering more and potentially faster options from having the extra frequency.
Will be an interesting one to watch.
I think this is just wishful thinking at best,KLM gave Southampton a try and it didn't work out to there likeing,they are added to long list of airlines that have given SOU a go in what was a hugely different pre Covid 19 world. The best SOU can hopeful is some sort of limited regional links ,but even these will be challenging to airlines with the virus still prevelant.I can't see the Runway extension application progressing,it just doesn't make sense,especially with limited holidays abroad being accessible down the road at Bournemouth ,where Ryanair are about to resume to multiple European destinations.