EasyJet U-turn on Aberdeen-Manchester service cancellation
The airline say they new service of four flights a week will now in fact start from next month.
A new service of four EasyJet flights a week will launch next month after the airline u-turned on a decision to scrap the plans.
EasyJet initially cancelled their new route due to the travel ban between Scotland and Greater Manchester.
But with the ban lifted by the Scottish Government, they are now able to reinstate their plans.
An EasyJet spokesperson 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 6 August.
"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."
An Aberdeen Airport spokesperson said it was "welcome news".
They said: " This service was due to take off on July 9 but was withdrawn from sale following the announcement of the non-essential travel ban between Scotland and Manchester.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.”
North East MSP Liam Kerr campaigned for the airline to re-think their decision, says he is "relieved".
He tells us:
“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.”