UK regional airline, Flybe, intends to halt its service from Cardiff Airport in wales to London City airport by the end of the October. The service launched last September to capitalize on delays on train services between the two points while works were carried out over a six week period was also intended to be temporary. Although passenger demand led to the service being extended by Flybe, the airline now says the high rate of Air Passenger Duty on domestic flights has made the route uneconomical.
Flybe's chief revenue officer, Vincent Hodder, said: “It is with regret that Flybe confirms its Cardiff to London City route will cease operation on Friday 27th October, 2017.
"Flybe originally agreed to operate this route on temporary basis to support links between the two capitals during a closure of the Severn Tunnel in 2016 that disrupted rail services. Flybe then responded to requests from users and stakeholders to continue the service.
"Despite the investment and hard work by all parties involved to build the market and the passionate support of a small group of regular passengers, the results have not reached the level required for the route to be commercially sustainable.
It is on shorter routes like Cardiff to London that the market distortion resulting from the UK Government’s £13 Air Passenger Duty is most apparent.
"Domestic air passengers are required to pay the duty for every UK departure, while rail and road travellers do not. This places time-saving air travel at an immediate disadvantage to other forms of public transport that are not similarly taxed, essentially eliminating choice and creating a transport monopoly.
"Flybe remains committed to Cardiff Airport and will continue to explore new opportunities to expand its presence at the airport.
"Should the UK Government devolve APD and the Welsh Government address its inconsistencies, Flybe would consider the possibility of re-launching the London City service.”