Eastern Airways has confirmed it will withdraw its crew base from the Isle of Man at the end of August.

Currently the Eastern flights to Birmingham and Newcastle are under review.

Ann Reynolds, Airport Director, emphasised the effect that the recession has had upon the Eastern routes: ‘Eastern has decided to review its IOM operations, closing its crew base and removing its based aircraft,’ she said.

‘Under these circumstances, and given the particularly grim overall economic situation in the UK, we fully understand the reason for Eastern’s position.

'We would be very disappointed indeed to lose Eastern, as it has served the Island superbly for over five years with punctual flights and a high standard of service.’

Minister for Transport David Anderson MHK underlined Eastern’s contribution to the Isle of Man over the years: ‘Eastern Airways has demonstrated great loyalty to the Island over recent years and we are very grateful to them for continuing to operate these routes under very difficult economic conditions,’ he said. 

‘We are keen to retain Eastern Airways as an operator to the Island, and we sincerely hope that this review will result in Eastern maintaining Island links.’