Norwich-Belfast route scrapped
18 October 2005
Low cost airline Flybe last night confirmed it was scrapping its Norwich to Belfast route because of poor ticket sales.
The route was the first launched by the airline in February following its decision to start flying from Norwich International, but it has failed to catch the imagination of the travelling public.
In recent weeks fares on the Belfast service have been advertised for free on Flybe's website, with passengers just having to pay taxes and airport charges.
Flybe said the route had failed to attract enough passengers, particularly in the business market.
Despite the loss of the Belfast route, Flybe said Norwich remained a key low cost centre and ticket sales on its other routes were encouraging.
In recent weeks it has launched services to a host of new destinations including Malaga, Alicante, Dublin, Aberdeen and Geneva with more planned.
A Flybe spokesman said: “The decision has been taken to withdraw from the Norwich-Belfast route due to disappointing passenger loads on the route in the last year, particularly in the business market. Despite best endeavours, the route is not commercially viable in the current climate.
“Sales for the summer 2006 are particularly strong since going on sale and having introduced 13 new routes this year Norwich remains a key low cost centre for Flybe and one which we are committed to serving.”
The Norwich to Belfast service will cease on Sunday, January 8. Any passengers who have already booked seats for after that date will be offered alternative flights or their money back.