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TravelWatch urges action to protect air links

The Island's passenger watchdog Travel Watch is urging the Manx government to act quickly to shore-up air links between the Isle of Man and Gatwick.

Flybe announced yesterday it's pulling-out of Gatwick from the end of March next year, blaming spiralling charges.

That will mean an end to the current four-times-daily service between the Island and London.

Travel Watch says easyJet should be asked to at least double its daily weekday service from Gatwick.

It wants efforts focussed on building-up routes to Manchester as the future main connecting point for domestic and international flights.

And the group's calling for tough measures to prevent off-Island airlines competing with existing carriers - unless they promise a frequent service.

Travel Watch chairman Brendan O'Friel says the link with London is a lifeline service for Island nations:


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