Flybe takes over Yorkshire to London flights

The Yorkshire to London air link has been preserved after Flybe announced that it would be taking on Bmi's route from Leeds/Bradford to Gatwick.

The new Flybe routes will flown three times a day by a Bombardier Q400 aircraft, starting June 29.

Fares starting at £24.99 one way including taxes and charges are already on sale.

Flybe has announced that the introduction of the new route has required the creation of 130 jobs in Yorkshire along with a further 20 at Gatwick.

Chief commercial officer Mike Rutter said: "Air services from London Gatwick to Leeds Bradford are of great strategic importance to Yorkshire and the North in general and we're delighted to be able to fill the gap and introduce a service to London so soon after Bmi abandoned their service."

Leeds/Bradford airport's commercial director, Tony Hallwood, said: "This is fantastic news for the city of Leeds and the West Yorkshire region.

"We welcome the introduction of Flybe services to London Gatwick which will once again provide a valuable air link to the capital for business and leisure travellers.

"We also look forward to working with our regional tourism partners to encourage an increase in the number of visitors to the Yorkshire region from London and the South East."