Flybe axes unprofitable Kent flight

Flybe is axing its services between BAA Edinburgh and Kent International Airport after the firm said the route had become “unsustainable”.

The move, which takes effect after the end of the winter season, on March 25, has been blamed on the economic climate.

Flybe launched its Manston to Edinburgh service in May 2010 but struggled to attract enough passengers to make the route sustainable, partly due to its proximity to Gatwick.

Simon Lilley, director of marketing at Flybe, said: “Despite extensive marketing of this route both in Scotland and throughout the south east, the challenging economic environment with which we are all faced has meant passenger numbers remain at unsustainable levels, and are insufficient to financially justify its continued operation.”

The move is largely due to the firm’s departure from using Kent International.