LGS6753,
No-frills airlines enjoy the opportunity to whinge about airport user charges when circumstances permit (more free headlines), but these are just one of many factors in determining the viability of an air service. Fuel costs are still historically high with crude oil around USD$90 per barrel of oil; USD$100 has already been breached once and will no doubt be seen again afew months down the line. And the likelihood of recession is also a major concern for airlines; discretionary travel is very much in the firing line as consumers tighten their belts. High energy costs, instability in the banking system, "credit crunches" and faltering property prices all point to a difficult year for the airline industry. STN is not alone in suffering cutbacks and I suspect that the user charges at the airport are not the most significant factor causing them; look at examples of cutbacks listed on other airport threads where airport charges are not the "issue du jour".
All the best. SHED.