Return to cheap flights promised on Norwich Airport - Dublin route after airline pulls out
07.10.05
Passengers looking to fly from Norwich to Dublin have been promised cheaper and more flexible flights, despite news that an airline was withdraw from the route.
Air Wales has decided not to go head-to head with rival low cost operator Flybe on the Norwich to Dublin route and will cease its four-times-a-week service on October 30, refunding passengers who have tickets for flights after that date. Air Wales will also drop its Cardiff via Dublin connection.
The surprise announcement means that there will be no flights between Norwich and the Irish capital for more than four months, as Flybe will only begin offering daily Norwich to Dublin flights March 16, 2006.
Richard Jenner, managing director of Norwich International Airport, said last night it was disappointing to lose any airline as it reduced competition on routes. But he said the arrival of Flybe in the spring would provide a great deal more flexibility for passengers wanting to travel to Dublin.
Air Wales only operated the service four days a week, anyone travelling to Dublin for stag nights, hen parties or long weekends had to wait until Tuesday for the next available flight. Flybe will be using 78-seater aircraft on the routes compared to the 46-seater planes employed by Air Wales, he added.
An Air Wales Spokesperson said: 'Unfortunately, Air Wales will be ceasing to run its successful Norwich to Dublin route as of October 30 as Norwich airport has secured a deal with Flybe to run the route.'
'As it is not commercially viable for two airlines to compete on such a niche route. Sadly we had no other option but to withdraw this important service, which we have worked hard to establish and support.'
'Any passengers who have purchased tickets for travel after 30th October will be given full refunds. We have already contacted the majority of travellers to facilitate their refunds and we will continue to do this over the coming days. For further information contact the Air Wales call centre on 0870 3131.'
To book norwich airport hotels or norwich airport parking at the lowest price, click on these links to two great norwich airport parking and norwich airport hotels price comparison pages.
