Ryanair says 100,000 fewer people will come to Cornwall

Twelve flights a week are to be cut between Newquay and Stansted.

The airline claims that the �5 per person charge is a "draconian anti-tourist tax".

Airport owner Cornwall County Council said the levy of up to �5 on all departures was needed to ease its losses of more than �1m a year.

It would leave Cornwall worse off to the effect of �10.5m per annum Michael Cawley, Ryanair Airlines react to Ryanair pullout

The Irish carrier said it was axing 12 morning flights a week between Newquay and Stansted airport in Essex in late November.

It said Cornwall County Council's decision to impose the �5 tax on all adult passengers from October was "ridiculous" and that 100,000 fewer passengers a year would fly on the route after the cut.

Ryanair deputy chief executive Michael Cawley said: "We have always made it very clear to Cornwall County Council that their airport and region is part of a competitive price-sensitive market that must compete with 84 other low fare destinations from Stansted.

Finance improvements

"Under the right conditions this market is capable of delivering huge economic benefits to the region and in excess of 200,000 passengers per annum.

"The ridiculous decision to introduce a �5 tax per departing passenger would result in increased revenue of �250,000 for the council and a reduced income for the region of �10.5m."

Cornwall County Council said the levy would help finance much-needed improvements at the airport.

Ryanair has taken a decision without knowing the facts David Whalley, Cornwall County Council

Council leader David Whalley said: "Newquay Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in the country and we're trying to build upon that.

"We're extending the terminal, which was built to deal with 200,000 passengers a year, and it is currently dealing with nearly 400,000. We're also trying to improve public transport links.

"We know that there is demand and Ryanair has taken a decision without knowing the facts."

Ryanair said it would keep the situation under review but warned there was a possibility of further reductions in the future if demand deteriorated further.