MP ‘Shocked’ By EasyJet Withdrawl From East Midlands

EasyJet’s decision to withdraw services from East Midlands Airport (EMA) would permanently restrict the choice of people looking for budget travel according to a Tory Euro MP.

Emma McClarkin, who represents East Midlands, which includes the Castle Donington base, spoke following the airline’s beginning of a 90-day discussion with 120 staff who work at the airport. EasyJet operates three aircraft from East Midlands, transporting over 700,000 passengers from the hub.

She said that she was shocked by the move the airline had taken, because the base had been stagnant for many years due to the desire to focus on larger, more profitable markets.

EasyJet had said routes to and from the airport will end this year, however passengers travelling at Christmas and New Year would not be affected, and passengers will be informed well-in advance of how their travel arrangements may be affected.

The low-cost carrier had said that it hoped to redeploy as many affected staff as possible, saying that it had sufficient opportunities.

Emma McClarkin said that the closure of EasyJet’s operations at East Midlands Airport would affect travellers from beyond the beginning of 2011.

She went on to say that it would permanently restrict the choice passengers who were looking for budget travel for leisure and business purposes from the East Midlands.

She expressed concern given the state of the economic crisis, it would be worrying for the staff of EasyJet who faced unemployment or relocation.