THOMSONFLY’s troubled launch will take another twist
next week when the local council recommends it is prevented from using Coventry
Airport’s temporary terminal.
Warwick District Council planning officers will tell a
committee meeting on Wednesday, Thomsonfly’s launch day, it will take
enforcement action against the TUI-owned airport to prevent it from using the
facility.
Planners say the development is too big and needs full
planning permission. It will also recommend an environmental impact assessment
is conducted into the airport.
A council spokesman said it will either serve an
enforcement notice or an injunction on the airport.
An injunction notice would stop the airport using the
facility immediately but can be easily overturned, while the enforcement notice
is a more lengthy legal process.
Thomsonfly is adamant services will proceed as
planned. Flights are virtually sold out for the first day.
An airline spokesman said: “Coventry Airport has
assured Thomsonfly there will be passenger facilities for use from March 31.”
Coventry Airport managing director Bill Savage said
the council had requested, by letter, that the terminal is not used.
He said: “Unless we receive advice to the contrary
from our legal team, we will continue to finalise the passenger facilities in
order for the Thomsonfly operations to commence.”