Prime Minister David Cameron has stepped in to try to help save “absolutely vital” air links between Aberdeen and London after British Airways moved to axe services.
The Conservative leader vowed to investigate concerns after they were raised at Westminster.
During prime minister’s questions, Sir Malcolm Bruce, Gordon MP and deputy Liberal Democrat leader, asked: “Is the prime minister aware that British Airways are to cease the link between Aberdeen and London City, in favour of increased services to the already well-served airports of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dublin?
“Would he support the campaign to maintain this link, which is vital for the vibrant business economy of the north of Scotland?”
Mr Cameron responded: “I’m very happy to look into this issue with the honourable gentleman. It is an absolutely vital service, particularly when you consider how strong the economy in north-east Scotland is performing, with North Sea oil and gas.
“I’m very happy to look at this issue with him.”
The airline announced last month it was increasing the number of daily flights to Scotland from the London airport, with two new flights a day to Glasgow, and an extra one to Edinburgh.
Kevin Stewart, SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central, said BA should be stripped of the landing slots.
“If they are planning to cut the routes from Aberdeen to London City, then they should forgo the landing slots at London City and allow competitors into that market, which I am quite sure would be extremely profitable for them.
“It is absolutely vital for business interests. If we lose services like these, what you will see, without a doubt in my mind, is that more folk are going to go and do business.”
A spokeswoman for Aberdeen International Airport said “We are obviously disappointed to hear the news that BA CityFlyer intend to stop operating this route.
“London City will form part of our on-going route development conversations with our partner airlines, in order to ascertain levels of interest in the service.”
Speaking after prime minister’s questions, Sir Malcolm said: “As a regular user of the service I often meet business travellers who value the London City route which is convenient and significantly cuts the transfer time for meetings in the Docklands, City and central London areas.
“Together with a cross-party group of north east parliamentarians, we hope to engage with the chamber of commerce and oil and gas sector to join forces and let British Airways know of our concerns.
“Removing this air link will be a retrograde step for the north-east economy in reducing the travel options and flexibility available to business and leisure travellers alike. It comes at a time when we are looking to see greater improvements in our local infrastructure to match the strengthening local economy.
“I urge British Airways to reconsider their decision.”
Sir Malcolm has written a joint letter with parliamentarians from across the north-east to seek assurances from British Airways on the future of the service and to request a meeting in order to put their constituents’ concerns across.
A BA spokesman confirmed that the route, which operates three times a day, would be axed in October.
“We had to take a decision on the basis of the company as a whole. Obviously if a particular route isn’t performing to a certain level then you have to take these commercial decisions.
“We don’t like having to take these decisions but we have to in the interests of the business as a whole.”
He said there were “no plans” for changes to the airline’s Aberdeen to Heathrow service.