Airport loses NY link – but flights could return New airline could step in as United Airlines abandons route
PLANES could still fly directly to North America despite United Airlines revealing it was scrapping its New York link from Birmingham Airport.
The US airline announced this week that it was dropping its direct daily service from Birmingham to Newark from October 5 as the route was performing poorly.
It is understood United had seen a fall in transatlantic traffic since last year but the fall in the pound against the dollar after the Brexit referendum result has also played a part.
It is a major blow to Birmingham Airport, which aims to increase longerhaul flights having spent tens of millions extending its runway.
But in a statement following United Airlines’ announcement, Birmingham Airport said: “We expect to be making an announcement shortly regarding another airline serving North America non-stop from Birmingham, giving passengers additional choice.”
The airport added: “We are disappointed by United Airlines’ decision after 20 years’ service.
“Passengers travelling to North Amer- ica can continue to fly one-stop with a number of airlines including Aer Lingus which has the added advantage of clearing US customs in Dublin.”
The decision by United Airlines comes just six months after American Airlines dropped its service from Birmingham to New York JFK Airport.
A statement from United Airlines said: “We have regretfully taken this
We have regretfully taken this decision because of the route’s poor financial performance United Airlines
decision because of the financial performance.
“We will contact customers with bookings for flights beyond those dates to provide refunds and re-accommodate where possible.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Three members of staff are now in consultation with the airline over redundancy or redeployment. route’s poor