THE future of a "well-used" airline route, connecting Southampton a major European city, hangs in the balance.

Bmi Regional has told customers through social media that it will no longer fly between Southampton and Munich.

It comes after the airline suspended the service in February while it underwent a "period of recruitment and training".

Bmi Regional said in February that it planned to reopen the route at the end of March.

But when quizzed over claims the service had now been axed complete a spokesperson for Bmi Regional said: "While that ideal start up date has passed the essence of the statement still holds true.

"While it undergoes a period of recruitment and training, the airline has made the decision to reduce its flying schedule in order to minimize disruption to passengers across the network."

"At present we do not have a confirmed date to recommence flights out of Southampton."

It comes after regular customer, Scott Roberts, contacted the company through Facebook last week to ask when the route would be reinstated.

Bmi Regional replied to say the route was "completely gone now".

Mr Roberts, who works as a European patent attorney, said he uses the service regularly for work flights to Munich.

He said: "The Munich service appeared to be well-used and it is a real disappointment that it has been scrapped.

"Southampton airport now only serves the Northern German city of Dusseldorf and has no flights to the south of the country."

Neil Garwood, head of operations at Southampton airport said: "Unfortunately due to a combination of airline issues bmi regional were not able to continue with the Munich flights, which is regrettable as it was proving to be a popular destination.

"We hope to see bmi regional back at Southampton Airport in the future."