REGIONAL LINK WITH EU IS CANCELLED
February 13, 2008 12:00 AM
Brussels Airlines have cancelled their morning flights between Newcastle and Brussels meaning the loss for regional businesses of a key link between the North East and the hub of European decision-making.
Fiona Hall wrote to Brussels Airlines with the backing of her Labour and Conservative colleagues requesting a re-evaluation of the decision to stop the flights. But she says that their reply was disappointing.
"I wrote to the Chief Executive of Brussels Airlines explaining that the cancellation of this flight will mean that people travelling to Brussels on business are now forced to stay overnight, adding significantly to the expense of the trip. Beforehand it was possible to do a full day's work in Brussels without needing overnight accommodation, because you could take the early morning flight out of Newcastle and return on the evening flight. By the same token, business people and EU officials could spend a day in the North East and be back in Brussels in the evening.
"At a time when the links between North East England and European partners are developing and strengthening, this move by Brussels Airlines is very unhelpful. I question the company's assessment of passenger demand, which may not have taken account of the fact that until recently there was also a daily air link between Brussels and Durham Tees Valley."
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