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Primera Air suspends Birmingham transatlantic routes

Scandinavian low-cost carrier Primera Air today confirmed the suspension of all flights from Birmingham to New York and Toronto this summer.

The cancellation of the transatlantic routes takes effect from June 21.

Passengers travelling before this date will not be affected, according to the airline.

In a statement, the carrier said: “Our priority is ensuring those affected passengers are compensated in compliance with EU261/2004, and alternative travel arrangements have been offered to them, as well as the option of a full refund.

“We are committed to handling all passenger queries as quickly as possible and have increased our customer service team who are ready on standby to offer immediate assistance and information.”

Primera Air blamed further delays in delivery of Airbus A321neo aircraft.

The airline plans to return to Birmingham with long-haul operations in 2019 when the fleet will be secured with Airbus.

Primera Air transatlantic services will continue as normal from Stansted, where the airline’s first two A321neos have been deployed “therefore ensuring operational reliability with our own fleet”.

The airline added: Our current short-haul flights to Malaga, Mallorca, Barcelona, Crete and our intention to launch new short-haul routes later this year as well as long term transatlantic plans from Birmingham Airport are not impacted by this decision.

“We are committed to minimising any disruption and are deeply sorry for the inconvenience this may cause.

“We invite all affected passengers to contact Primera Air customer service via phone, email and website chat for assistance and more information.”

Chief executive Andri Már Ingólfsson said: “The plans for the transatlantic routes have been in the making for over a year and both Primera Air and Birmingham Airport have put a lot of effort into promoting the new routes which were welcomed by the region.

“Unfortunately we did not anticipate such severe Airbus delays and the hold-up has meant we are forced to make this difficult and disappointing decision.”

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