Dear Sir,
THE profusion of letters on the cancellation or reduced flights available to Majorca this coming winter, and into the season of 2010, should not come as a surprise to travellers.
Airlines will run a service only if they can forward projects making a profit and a combination of the present economic crisis, increased running costs, airport charges, etc., and not least, operators like Ryanair, giving below minimum service with a cost to passengers other airlines cannot, or will not match.
A prime example is Minorca. Many years past, I recall in winter there were no direct flights from the UK, one always had to fly to Palma, and then take an inter-island flight.
Then came direct flights, but for all the aforementioned reasons, it seems this winter it will revert to the previous operations. Palma is affected to a lesser degree but more noticeably due to the hitherto profusion of flights. Airlines obviously do not think there will be a sufficient volume of travellers.
There is one carrier which Mr. Martin and others may have overlooked, which is Iberia who I saw advertising flights last week for Majorca at 163 pounds return.
At least with this airline you would have a seat not cut down to fit a midget, in-flight food and drink, able to book with any credit card, not have a huge option of financial penalties for not booking/checking in/normal luggage requirements, etc, something in fact we were all used to yesteryear and made flying less of a chore than it is today with so many of the bargain airlines. Same old story, you get what you pay for.
Graham Phillips,
Palma
P.S. I read/saw recently there were talks going on for a takeover of BMI. This may be a reason they are not committing to the future as new owners may have other plans.