Flights between Dundee and Belfast City airports are to be axed later this year.
Loganair says the flights are no longer sustainable due to low passenger numbers
A spokesperson said: “We regret to confirm that our Belfast City to Dundee route will be discontinued on September 27.
“The service has unfortunately proved to be unsustainable.
“Loganair remains fully committed to both Belfast City and Dundee airports and continues to serve them from other airports in our network.”
Disappointment for passengers
A spokesman for Highlands and Islands Airport Authority (HIAL), which operates Dundee Airport, said: “Loganair has advised HIAL of the decision to discontinue the Belfast City/Dundee route from 27 September.
“The Dundee Airport team will be happy to work with airline operators on Belfast/Dundee links in the future.”
The announcement will come as a disappointment to passengers.
When the flights began in September 2020, they were described as a “real boost” to Dundee’s economy in the fight back from Covid.
Airport bosses said the new Loganair service was a sign of confidence the city was going emerge from the pandemic in a strong position.
The flights originally operated between the two cities on a Friday and Sunday but earlier this year the schedule changed to Wednesday and Sunday.
Loganair will continue to fly to Belfast from Scotland, with the nearest airport for Dundonians being Aberdeen.
One regular Dundee to Belfast City passenger said: “I’m really sorry to hear this.
“The flight was really useful on many occasions. It used to be really busy when it left Dundee on a Friday afternoon.
“However, the Wednesday flights always appeared much quieter.”
This marks a 38.7% increase, compared with the 12 months to March 2022 – when the aviation industry was suffering turmoil amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
A new Dundee to Heathrow route launched earlier this year was met with a mixed response after it replaced the connection to London City.
The contract for this route is now up for tender, leaving its future unclear.
Depute leader of Dundee City Council Willie Sawers said: “While this is disappointing news, since the Belfast flight was launched two further destinations of Orkney and Shetland have been added to the airports served directly from the City.
“This means passengers still have a number of destinations, including access to the worldwide hub at London Heathrow.”
