Ryanair's Potential Departure From Bournemouth Would Be Disastrous

Love it or loathe it, Irish airline, Ryanair, the budget way to fly with no frills. has become synonymous with Bournemouth Airport.

Thousands take advantage of cheap flights locally to get away to destinations such as Alicante, where nearby there is a significant ex-pat population.

If the rumours emerging this morning are true, Ryanair could be about to pull the plug on its operations from Bournemouth, potentially bringing about job losses and travel misery to the thousands of locals who had become reliant on their services.

Speaking as a foreign exchange cashier, I know first-hand that despite Ryanair's often questionable reputation with regards to service, most people are prepared to put up with the downside for a couple of hours to reach their intended destination.

Many of our customers are elderly or retired, seeing Bournemouth as a far easier option than making the long drive to Gatwick. They have relatives abroad and it would become much harder for them to visit should Ryanair cease flying from Bournemouth Airport.

Given Ryanair's relative success in flying from Bournemouth and long-standing relationship with the airport, dating back to 1996, it will be interesting to see them justify their reasoning should they halt their operations in the area.

Bournemouth's brand new £45 million terminal would no doubt suffer greatly should the worst happen with only Thomson remaining its primary user.

Keep reading Arm Chairs & Deck Chairs for the full story and reaction.