A north-east MP has backed a petition to reinstate “lifeline” flights between Aberdeen and London, which were axed by EasyJet earlier this month.
The budget airline blamed a reduction in demand for the decision to scrap the Aberdeen to Gatwick route, but campaigners are now aiming to have the move overturned.
Rachel May, who lives in Newtonhill, has launched a petition to save the service, which was signed by 300 people in just three days.
She was supported by Val Fry, of Fetterangus, who agreed the airline should backtrack – or suggested that another operator should step in to take on the route.
Now the pair’s campaign has been backed by West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie – who said scrapping the service was a “backwards step” at a time when transport links in the region are improving.
He said: “Aberdeen’s air links with the south-east of England are absolutely vital for business and leisure travellers.
“The removal of this route has clearly met considerable opposition locally.
“With the opening of the AWPR, we are starting to see much-needed improvements to transport infrastructure in the north-east.
“A reduction in flights from Aberdeen is a backward step and I would urge regular passengers and local businesses to make their voices heard.”
Ms May said: “My mother lives in Worthing on the south coast of England, near Brighton, and it’s a 30-minute train ride from Gatwick.
“Now this route has gone, it’s made the alternatives really difficult to visit her – and she is not able to travel into London for City or Heathrow airports to travel up here.
“This flight was a lifeline to everyone in and around Aberdeen for business and pleasure, connecting us to the rest of the world.”
