It is awful that Flybe have pulled out but what can we do ....
We lost Aer Arann due to the London Southend switch from Luton which was mentioned above. Luton was well able to maintain an ATR72 operation 13 x weekly (2010). Flybe obviously are able to make higher yields elsewhere hence the decision to pull the plug! MAN & BHX have recently proved that they have demand and are able to maintain steady load factors. So there may be hope!
I hope the airport are in talks to get a replacement for the 3 routes; MAN, BHX and LON. Hopefully some carrier might base and take all three routes but only time will tell. Hopefully good news early next year......