Caribbean Airlines’ UK flights under threat

The government-owned carrier was reported to be ending its Gatwick-Port of Spain service at the end of the next winter season, but a spokeswoman for the islands said nothing had been finalised.

“It won’t be confirmed for another couple of weeks until after the election,” she added.

Caribbean Airlines is reportedly poised to exit the long-haul market completely to concentrate on services to the US and Canada. The UK flights were started in 2012 but have failed to make money in the face of competition from established UK carriers.

The spokeswoman added: “Even if Port of Spain does cease, the air bridge between the two islands operated by Caribbean Airlines will continue.”

Both Trinidad and Tobago are already well served from the UK.

British Airways flies to Port of Spain five times a week via St Lucia, while Tobago is served by BA via Antigua and Virgin flies via St Lucia. Both carriers will fly twice a week this winter.