CityJet has axed its service from London to Cork after just eight months.
The decision has been met with disappointment from passengers and the business community in London and Ireland.
This week the airline blamed low passenger numbers and high rates for landing at London City Airport for the decision to suspend the service on June 26th after only eight months.
“In contrast to what we believed to be well-founded optimism when we launched this route last year, we are faced with the reality that demand for this service has simply not taken hold in terms of sustainable commercial viability,’’ said Pat Byrne, CityJet’s Executive Chairman.
“The message is clear that the demand for this service is just not there in sufficient volume and at a sustainable price. I am convinced that there are good potential opportunities for CityJet at Cork and we will continue to assess the market in the region and pursue other opportunities if and when they arise,” added Mr Byrne.
Businesswoman Lydia Sweeney, who hails from Cork but lives in London, used the service regularly.
She told the Irish Post that while she was sorry to see it go, she wasn’t all that surprised.
“The midday flights were empty. Very disappointing, it was great to have more competition on the route from a central London airport. The service was great, friendly staff and it felt like a premium airline,” she said.
Cityjet said it hoped to announce the launch of new routes from Cork to other european destinations in the near future.
