Flybe have announced that flights to Edinburgh Airport from Belfast will be restricted due to aircraft supply issues. The newly reinstated airline recently returned under a new name, Flybe Limited, after a two-year absence.
As passengers throughout the country continue to experience issues with cancelled or delayed flights and luggage, Flybe have added to the frustration by throwing some uncertainty into the mix over their flights to the Northern Irish capital.
Edinburgh Airport passengers can, in a way, think themselves lucky, as Belfast Live reports that Aberdeen and Inverness have had their flights axed altogether. Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and Southampton have all joined Edinburgh with a reduced service.
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Airline CEO Dave Pflieger admitted the decision had "not been taken lightly" but was down to logistical issues with sourcing the extra aircraft needed to run the routes. Mr Pflieger added: "The two aircraft leasing companies who were contracted to provide our additional airplanes have now told us that they will be unable to fulfil their commitments until after the summer."
He continued: "We were able to find and rent aircraft from two separate airlines in Greece and Spain, but those planes are not enough, and the lack of additional aircraft needed for new flying means we need to adjust our future flight schedule.
"As a result, today we are reducing our planned increase in flying for the period of 28 July until 29 October. This new schedule will be fully supported by the aircraft we do have available, and we will still introduce more flights later this year - after we receive our delayed aircraft."
Mr Pflieger said they were announcing the decision to try and give people as much time as possible to rearrange their plans. He added: "I believe it is essential that we take action now to ensure you have enough time to change your travel plans, be re-accommodated on a different flight or, if that is not desired, obtain a full refund.
"We know that time is of the essence, and we want to ensure you can adjust your plans as soon as possible. To assist with your efforts and enable you to quickly choose whichever option is best for you, we have added some new functionality to our flybe.com website that will enable you to change your reservation or request a refund at your convenience.
"If, for any reason, you are unable to find a suitable alternative or request a refund, we would ask that you email us for further assistance. Please be aware that it might take us longer than normal to get back to you because of this difficult situation, but rest assured we will respond to every enquiry we receive.
"I want to apologise again to anyone who may be affected by this announcement. Thank everyone who has flown on us to date; and renew our commitment to do everything possible to keep improving our company and keep you informed as we grow and serve you and your communities."
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