Flybe stops Norwich flights

Low-cost carrier Flybe has axed flights from Norwich to Alicante and Malaga this winter, saying that the UK airport's charges make the routes uncompetitive.

Norwich Airport introduced a £3 airport development fee on tickets in April, and said that the money would be used to help fund an £18 million expansion project.

However, Flybe said that the extra cost has already had a "profound effect on ticket sales".

As a result, the airline had decide to cease operations on its flights between the airport and some destinations in Spain.

A spokesperson for the airline told explained the company's decision to the Norwich Evening News, saying: "Regrettably, Flybe has taken the difficult decision to withdraw the Norwich to Alicante/Malaga service.

"Every year, Flybe carefully examines the economic viability of all its 150-plus routes. We look not only at passenger numbers but also at external cost pressures."

"The levy placed on customers by NIA (Norwich International airport) has made the Alicante/ Malaga route economically beyond the pale and it is with regret that we have taken the decision to close the route."

Other airlines which operate from NIA include bmi, KLM Cityhopper and Thomsonfly.

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