I'm a little confused - some sources say FR are suspending Tampere for winter 2015-16 with an intention to return for summer 2016, while other say FR are closing operations at TMP permanently. Is someone able to advise definitively which is correct ?
The most official explanation of the status quo you can read in English from
this source.
It certainly looks like the blackmail in its purest form. FR will have enough planes in winter to fill the new terminal up to its full capacity, anybody in doubt? The yields and LF's on Finnish routes have been better than satisfactory. In other words, the Tampere City Council decision rising the amount of marketing support still could bring some winter season flights. Other negotiations could even facilitate the creation of first Finnish base there. Well, it will not happen, I don't think enough funds could be found in so short time. Tampere still could try to lure e.g. Wizz Air to connect Tampere with Warsaw and/or Budapest, but time may not be enough to achieve that.