News

THOMSONFLY’s troubled launch will take another twist next week when the local council recommends it is prevented from using Coventry Airport’s temporary terminal.

Warwick District Council planning officers will tell a committee meeting on Wednesday, Thomsonfly’s launch day, it will take enforcement action against the TUI-owned airport to prevent it from using the facility.

Planners say the development is too big and needs full planning permission. It will also recommend an environmental impact assessment is conducted into the airport.

A council spokesman said it will either serve an enforcement notice or an injunction on the airport.

An injunction notice would stop the airport using the facility immediately but can be easily overturned, while the enforcement notice is a more lengthy legal process.

Thomsonfly is adamant services will proceed as planned. Flights are virtually sold out for the first day.

An airline spokesman said: “Coventry Airport has assured Thomsonfly there will be passenger facilities for use from March 31.”

Coventry Airport managing director Bill Savage said the council had requested, by letter, that the terminal is not used.

He said: “Unless we receive advice to the contrary from our legal team, we will continue to finalise the passenger facilities in order for the Thomsonfly operations to commence.”