EasyJet reinstate Aberdeen to Manchester route
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The reinstatement of EasyJet's Aberdeen to Manchester service has been welcomed.
The airline had initially announced last month the flights were to start on Friday, July 9 and would fly four times a week.
However, it was scrapped just days later when the Scottish Government announced a travel ban to Manchester.
That was lifted on Wednesday, June 30, and EasyJet has announced it is reinstating the route, which is due to start on August 6.
An EasyJet spokesman said: "Given the removal of some travel restrictions between Manchester and Scotland, we have now been able to resume our new route between Manchester and Aberdeen starting from August 6.
"We are pleased to be able to provide more convenient direct domestic flights as planned, to connect families and businesses across the UK and offer more opportunity to explore the UK this summer."
North-east MSP Liam Kerr, who met airport bosses and wrote to EasyJet urging the airline to reinstate the route, said: “I’m relieved EasyJet has shown faith in the north-east by reinstating its Manchester service when it could have easily pulled the plug after the chaos caused by the travel ban.
“This is a positive step to normality for both Aberdeen Airport and its passengers who will now be able to enjoy the route from next month.
“But this is a reminder that the aviation and tourism industry can’t be turned off and on at the whim of a Central Belt-focussed SNP Government.
“Both EasyJet and Aberdeen Airport have been left counting the cost which has resulted in a service launching a month behind schedule.
“I hope the confidence shown towards Aberdeen can now be mirrored among operators internationally so we can get the airport flying high again.”
An Aberdeen Airport spokesman said: "This service was due to take off on July 9 but was withdrawn from sale following the announcement of the non-essential travel ban between Scotland and Manchester.
“Rebuilding our connectivity will play a vital role in supporting the economic recovery of the north-east, however, we can’t afford a stop start approach as we’ve seen with this particular route.
"Tens of thousands of jobs have been lost across the travel and tourism sectors and it’s important government works with us to provide a clear, safe and long term recovery plan.”
