The UK “no-frills” airline FlyBe has opened a new seasonal link from Southampton to Avignon. It will operate three flights each way on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, with fares starting at £37.00 each way, excluding airport taxes. FlyBe believes this will suit many existing Ryanair passengers in the south of England, hitherto compelled to make the long journey to Stansted for a flight to Nîmes.

The introduction of scheduled flights to the UK could be a much-needed shot in the arm for Avignon airport, starved of funds since financial responsibility for provincial airports became devolved to local authorities. Until now, Avignon’s only scheduled flights have been to Orly airport in Paris, admittedly with an onward connection to City of London Aiport. The real problem for Avignon airport, however, remains the competition from rail. The Marseille-Paris TGV has an important station stop just outside Avignon.

From our July 2006 e-newsletter