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Heathrow too expensive for Flybe

Credit: Tim Goode / PA Archive/Press Association Images

Flybe have halted their plans to fly from London Heathrow, saying the fees charged by the airport are too high for a regional airline with small aircraft.

They had intended to take up spare slots at the airport to begin routes to and from Scotland.

But, the decision has now been left to stakeholders who are being given extra time to 'explore ways to reduce to costs'.

It is clear that the allocation of Heathrow slots to domestic regional operators is futile if the airport’s rigid charging regime cannot be adjusted to accommodate smaller aircraft. It is unreasonable to expect operators of 78-118 seat aircraft to absorb the same charges levied on carriers operating those with 850 or more!

– Saad Hammad, CEO Flybe

There are discounts available already at Heathrow but Flybe say they are still not enough.