New setback for Antwerp Airport: TUI Fly cancels three summer destinations
TUI Fly is cancelling its Ibiza, Antalya and Crete destinations from Antwerp Airport this summer, reported Gazet van Antwerpen. According to Flemish MP Bogdan Vanden Berghe of the Flemish Greens, this makes it clear that the airport in Deurne is in even worse shape than expected.
Gazet van Antwerpen reported on Friday that TUI Fly will no longer offer flights to Crete, Ibiza and Antalya from Antwerp Airport this summer. This leaves only Tenerife, Malaga, Alicante and Mallorca as destinations.
The airline has decided to move one of its two aircraft to Brussels because it is easier to fill flights there. “We are continuing with our winter programme and will also be flying with only one aircraft from Deurne in the summer,” stated spokesperson Piet Demeyere.
TUI Fly accounts for approximately 60 per cent of Antwerp Airport's turnover. The loss of flights is therefore a significant blow to the airport in Deurne, which has been experiencing difficulties for some time.
On Thursday, a hearing was held in the Flemish Parliament on the airport's financial situation. Aviation economist Wouter Dewulf of the University of Antwerp also confirmed that the airport's business model was “fragile”, partly due to its heavy dependence on TUI.
“Barely a day later, TUI announces that it is reducing the number of flights,” stated Flemish MP Bogdan Vanden Berghe of Groen. “This proves once again what we have been saying for years: this airport is superfluous and does not work. So turn off the subsidy tap.”
Vanden Berghe is adamant: “Only TUI and subsidies from the Flemish government are keeping this airport alive. TUI itself indicates that the airport in Brussels is a better alternative for them. Now it's just up to the Flemish government to realise that.”
#FlandersNewsService | Airplane of TUI at Antwerp Airport © BELGA PHOTO ROBBE VANDEGEHUCHTE
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