THE company operating Southampton Airport has said it is "disappointed" at the loss of a Loganair route to Teesside.

The airline confirmed yesterday that its service between Southampton Airport and Teesside Airport is to be scrapped.

It is understood that the route will stop as a result of the North East airport also losing its connection to London Heathrow as it cannot be accommodated on the remaining Loganair aircraft.

AGS Airports Ltd, which owns and operates Southampton Airport, said it was "disappointed" at the loss.

READ MORE: Route between Southampton Airport and Teesside is scrapped

A spokesperson said: "Whilst this was ultimately the airline’s decision, we are clearly disappointed.

"The loss of the Teesside service is a reminder of the huge challenges the aviation industry and regional airports such as Southampton face as we continue our recovery."

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce echoed the view of AGS, calling the loss "disappointing".

The organisation says it hopes there will be new routes established between Southampton and the north of England.

READ MORE: Get your thoughts heard on Southampton Airport's runway expansion

Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber chief executive, said: "We understand the Southampton route is being withdrawn because of the cessation of the Heathrow route and the effective use of the fleet.

"As a business membership organisation, we naturally champion regional connectivity so it is disappointing to see any withdrawal of links between the cities of the UK but we understand individual carriers have to ensure economic viability.

"We have seen the airline sector bounce back following the pandemic but with global oil prices affecting the cost of aviation fuel, we see that routes are being closely examined.

"It is not the first time a route to Southampton from Teesside has been withdrawn and of course we will do what we can as a business community to support and encourage demand for replacement services.

"We hope that in time there will be new routes established between Southampton and the north of England to complement the existing Newcastle route."

Ticket sales for both London Heathrow and Southampton were removed minutes after a statement was issued by both Teesside Airport and Loganair.

Bookings from May 24 onwards were cancelled.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News