Cambridge: Etihad European Flights 'Temporarily End'

12 March 2014, 10:40 | Updated: 12 March 2014, 13:28

Cambridge Airport has confirmed that several international flights to European destinations are to 'temporarily end'.

Darwin Airline, now named Etihad Regional, started running services from Cambridge to Amsterdam, Geneva, Paris and Milan in September last year.

However it's emerged services to Paris and Milan have now ceased due to 'commercial reasons'.

Cambridge Airport has also confirmed that services to Amsterdam and Geneva will 'temporarily end' at the end of the month.

However the terminal has confirmed that flights to Verona in Italy are due to start in May.

The changes follow a major investment in Cambridge Airport, to attract more passengers to use it as an alternative to London airports.

They also come after Etihad Airways became a major investor in Darwin Airline, re-naming it Etihad Regional.

Etihad Regional has since reviewed its current network of routes across Europe, leading to the changes in services from Cambridge Airport.

Steve Jones, Managing Director of Cambridge International Airport said: "We enjoy a good relationship with Etihad Regional and whilst we respect their decision to temporarily suspend Amsterdam and Geneva services, the steady growth of routes in the past six months serves as proof of strong market demand in the Cambridge region.  

We have received exceptionally good feedback about the quality of the customer experience and 12,000 passengers have been welcomed through doors on these services at Cambridge International Airport. 

Naturally, we are delighted to see Verona becoming a new regular destination from Cambridge, it is a very popular request from customers and un-serviced by scheduled carriers from any other airport in the East of England.

Plus, we are already aware of keen interest from a number of airlines looking to take advantage of the buoyant Cambridge economy and hope to unveil more new services shortly. 

Any customers requiring assistance with Etihad Regional bookings should contact the airline directly on 01223 851 480.

Passengers whose travel plans are affected will be alerted and fully reimbursed by Etihad Regional."

Other flights from the airport are operating as usual, including Geneva ski services and summer routes.