Tend to agree - but this lot were banging on about it only last week:
When will we see the return of flights to London?
Robert Hough: "We are working hard to restore that. We have made strong representations to government that connections to Heathrow from this airport are key. We have got a situation where IAG (International Airports Group) having acquired BMI have got more slots. To what extent can they be allocated to Northern airports? Those discussions are taking place and I know our local MPs are on the case and more conversations are set to take place with the Transport Minister in the next three to four weeks."
Peter Nears: "We hear talk of London as a hub but it often seems to be forgotten how the nation connects to the capital. When the previous air transport White Paper was produced about seven years ago the Department for Transport had a regional airport specialist which took account the views of regional airports. I think the government now should focus a stream of work specifically on how to improve connectivity from regional airports to London."
Airport poised for take off (From The Northern Echo)
I also agree that charter makes more sense, but that is a big ask as well. Charter in the UK is basically TCX, TOM and MON - the first two seem to be pulling back in the regions with MON expanding at LBA...