Flybe insists Dundee to Amsterdam flights will not be axed despite being temporarily re-routed through Edinburgh Airport.
A senior government source, who spoke to The Courier on the condition of anonymity, said the route will be cancelled altogether because of “safety reasons” due to the number of light aircraft in the area.
However Flybe rejected the claim and also moved to clarify that the company’s Loganair franchise flights from Dundee to London Stansted will not be affected by the Amsterdam change.
A spokeswoman for the airline said: “Flybe does not intend to cancel the route at the present time and would again apologise to those customers inconvenienced by the current temporary disruption.
“I can confirm that Dundee to Stansted, which is operated by Loganair, will not be affected.”
On Friday The Courier revealed passengers on all Dundee to Amsterdam flights will be bussed from to Edinburgh airport until further notice.
The company cited “operational reasons” for the changes but has not specified when normal service will resume.
On the airline’s website, the flights are still being listed as leaving from and arriving at Dundee with no mention of the transfer to Edinburgh airport.
Flybe is yet to confirm whether customers who have already booked tickets on the premise that they’re flying from Dundee would be eligible for a refund.
A spokesman for Dundee Airport operator HIAL said: “The Dundee Airport team is working with the airline to obtain a greater understanding of the timescales involved around the decision and to minimise disruption to passengers during that period.”
Dundee West MP Chris Law, who has previously voiced support for the city’s first international route, said he was optimistic that the changes would be a short-term issue.
He said: “The Dundee Airport consultative committee worked very hard to bring the Dundee to Amsterdam route here and will work equally hard to help resolve whatever the problem is.
“In the meantime, Dundee Airport will help to ensure people travelling to Edinburgh to catch their flight will get there in comfort and safety.”
It has been reported that Flybe struggled to fill its planes over the summer due to a dip in demand caused by Brexit.
Pre-tax profits fell by 25% to £15.9m in the six months ending in September as lower demand for travel across Europe failed to keep pace with Flybe’s growing fleet of aircraft, which were ordered well before the slowdown.
Edinburgh Airport press office could not be reached for comment.
