Air links between Aberdeen and London are “critical” to the region’s ongoing economic success, business chiefs said last night.
The Institute of Directors (IoD) became the latest organisation to question British Airways’ decision to axe flights between Europe’s oil capital and London City Airport.
The body echoed concerns raised earlier this week by local politicians, Oil and Gas UK, Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce – and even Prime Minister David Cameron.
BA has been under fire since confirming the three daily services to London City would be scrapped from October.
The airline blamed the decision on the route’s poor performance – and has moved to replace the Aberdeen service with extra flights to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dublin.
Mr Cameron appeared to question the decision when it was brought to his attention by Gordon MP Sir Malcolm Bruce, describing the links as “absolutely vital” and vowing to investigate.
Mike Bowyer, chairman of the IoD in Aberdeen, said: “At a time when we are seeking to underpin Aberdeen’s position as a global energy centre through enhanced flight connections, the decision of British Airways to axe their Aberdeen International Airport service from London City Airport is most disappointing.
“The prime minister is right to recognise the significance of this link for the UK oil and gas industry. These flights serve a very real need for an efficient link between oil and gas industry centres in the Aberdeen area and offices in central London.
“Good air links were one of the reasons the oil and gas industry located in Aberdeen and they remain critical to its continued success.
“I hope that pressure locally will be supported by the UK government and that, together, this may persuade British Airways to revue their decision or enable another operator to take over the service.”
A BA spokesman has said the decision was taken “in the interests of the business as a whole”.