Shoreham to Paris flights to be suspended

The company made the announcement today (Thursday, May 2), saying the decision had been prompted by “French bureaucracy”.

Jonathan Candelon, from Brighton City Airways, said there had been customs and immigration delays in setting up a point of entry at the Paris Pontoise airport since flights launched in March.

He said: “Just two weeks before we launched the airline in March, we were advised by the French authorities that there would be a short delay of a couple of weeks before a customs and immigration port of entry was in place at Paris Pontoise. However, eight weeks later, this intolerable issue remains in place and with no firm date set for a resolution.

“In the meantime, we have been obliged to land in another French airport – usually Rouen or Le Touquet – en route to Pontoise and the authorities have very rarely come aboard to check passports.

“This has meant having two take-offs and climbs instead of one, longer flight times, extra airport fees and extra maintenance costs, all of which add up to a single flight to Paris, costing us 60 per cent more than a direct flight would cost, never mind the inconvenience for passengers.

“We are truly sad to suspend the flights, not least because our ticket sales are over target and the demand for this airline has proven to be there, but we are forced to postpone flights until the issue is solved at Paris Pontoise.”

Brighton City Airways will operate its last flights on Monday, May 6, and said it would provide refunds to people flying after May 7.

Mr Candelon added: “We want to thank everyone for the tremendous support they have given us – Brighton Shoreham Airport, Van Air Europe, Aeroports de Paris, Handling Partners, KA Exec Handling and our enthusiastic passengers.”