13 September 2011 14:59 GMT
Budget airline Ryanair has announced it will scrap its only Aberdeen to Dublin route next month after failing to reach an agreement with airport operator BAA.
The Irish firm said its last flight from Aberdeen would depart on October 28, citing an impasse with BAA over the cost of using the north-east airport.
Any passengers who have booked flights after that date are to receive full refunds.
Ryanair cancels Dublin route and pulls out of Aberdeen
Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara said: “Ryanair regrets the forced closure of its one remaining Aberdeen (Dublin) route, after the BAA refused an extension to our low cost deal from 29th October and failed to match the competitive cost deals which are available to Ryanair from other UK and European airports.
"Ryanair’s last Aberdeen - Dublin flight will depart on 28th October, and any passengers who are booked to travel after this date will receive a full refund.”
Aberdeen Airport Managing Director Derek Provan said customers would bear the brunt of the decision.
He said: "We have spent months in negotiation with Ryanair to investigate future leisure opportunities, however, they feel unable to consider these options. This is disappointing in the light of considerable investment in our infrastructure as we continue to try and grow our leisure routes.
"We have kept the door open to the airline to allow any future discussion if they so wish, however, we appreciate that at the end of the day it is our passengers who will feel the brunt of this decision. The route is served by other carriers and as such we hope they will not be too dramatically inconvenienced in the long term."
Brian Adam, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, also expressed his disappointment at the plans to withdraw the service.
Mr Adam said: "I am sorry to hear that Ryanair are going to withdraw from Aberdeen Airport.
“They provided a cheap alternative to visitors from the Irish Republic to visit the north-east of Scotland for events like the Walker Cup held at the weekend.
“I know that BAA Aberdeen were in discussion with Ryanair over the future of the route and it is unfortunate that they were not able to reach a compromise and find a way forward at this time."
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