Spanish airline LTE has cancelled all of it's scheduled services from Norwich International Airport until the end of March.
This news follows previous hopes that LTE would be able to resume it's flights from Norwich in December, having initially suspending their services in mid-October. However, the airports inhouse travel agency Travel Norwich Airport received emails yesterday from LTE cancelling bookings for flights until the end of March.
There is hope for the future, however, as the carrier is currently negotiating with a possible buyer and hopes to be able to relaunch its services from Norwich in a much stronger position.
A statement from LTE managing director Michael Harrington said:
An offer is currently on the table from a major European group to buy LTE and if this goes through, LTE will become a much stronger company.... However, meantime, the Spanish CAA have insisted that we cancel all scheduled services for the winter season.
"We are continuing to operate charter services and aircraft leasing activities and have not gone into administration. However, the Spanish CAA do not want us to be selling scheduled flights until the proposed buyout is confirmed and a formal contract has been signed.
As soon as this has happened, we hope to be up and running again and in a much stronger position. We will then come back to Norwich to re-launch our services and still hope that the position will be resolved before Christmas.
As with the earlier cancellations, passengers who are affected should return to where they originally made their booking to find out about refunds and alternative arrangements.
Travel Norwich Airport is dealing with bookings in date order, and its customers will be able to obtain refunds for their cancelled flights and make alternative arrangements.
Passengers who have flights as part of an ATOL-protected package should contact the tour operator with which they booked.
Those who booked directly with LTE should contact the airline. They can send details of their reservations to this address for refunds:
LTE International Airways S.A.
Calle del Ter, 27 1º
Poligono Son Fuster
Palma de Mallorca
07009 ISLAS BALEARES
SPAIN
or by email to: [email protected]
If you're flying from Norwich this winter, remember to pre-book your airport parking with Norwich Airport Parking for the best prices.
Prices for Norwich airport parking start at just £6.63 per day.
This price is correct for bookings searched on 7 November 2008. Prices are subject to change. Book Norwich Airport Parking in advance to get the best prices and availability.