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Rising costs signal end of Loganair Teesside-Heathrow and Southampton flights

Loganair services from Teesside airport to Heathrow and Southampton are being withdrawn amid rising costs.

A joint statement by the airline and the north-east regional airport blamed rising costs due to a hike in take-off and landing fees at the London hub and increased aviation fuel prices.

The London route has become unviable as a result and will end in two weeks’ time.

The Teesside to Southampton service will also stop as a result of the closure of the London link as it cannot be accommodated on the remaining Loganair aircraft.

Passengers booked to travel to Heathrow will be offered a full refund.

Those due to travel to Southampton will be offered alternative flights or a full refund.

Teesside airport managing director Phil Forster said: “I’d like to thank all of our loyal passengers who have been supporting this service since its launch and apologise for the inconvenience this will cause.

“Rising costs across the industry have meant that the route is no longer viable and not something we could support without passing that on to our passengers.

“While slowly recovering, business flights were still nowhere near pre-pandemic levels, immediately putting the route at a disadvantage.

“The aviation industry is also facing a challenging and complex time from a range of other external factors which we, as an airport, are working hard to mitigate.”

He added that Loganair remained a “committed partner” to the airport near Darlington.

“We are working alongside other operators to increase our routes and destinations to give local people an airport they can be proud of,” Forster said. “We are also seeing hugely strong forward bookings on our summer holiday routes with Ryanair and Tui, proving people want to get away and brighter days are ahead.”

Loganair chief commercial officer Kay Ryan said: “I am extremely disappointed that Loganair will no longer provide a London Heathrow service due to rising costs, and completely understand the decision taken for all the reasons outlined.

“Customers affected by the cancellation will receive either an alternative routing if applicable, or a refund should they prefer that option.

“Those customers who booked their Heathrow travel via one our code share partners will receive any applicable alternatives direct from the airline they booked with, and not Loganair.

“We thank Teesside International airport for their support over the last 12 months, and looking forward to continuing our excellent working relationship.”

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