THE number of passengers travelling through Stansted Airport could drop dramatically this winter after Ryanair announced a cut in flights operating from the hub. The number of weekly Ryanair flights from Stansted will be reduced by 30 per cent which repre

THE number of passengers travelling through Stansted Airport could drop dramatically this winter after Ryanair announced a cut in flights operating from the hub.

The number of weekly Ryanair flights from Stansted will be reduced by 30 per cent which represents a potential loss of 2.5million passengers.

The budget carrier currently operates 40 aircraft from the Essex hub, but this number will be cut to 24 between October 2009 and March 2010 - a 40 per cent cut.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary said: "Sadly UK traffic and tourism continues to collapse while Ryanair continues to grow traffic rapidly in those countries which welcome tourists instead of taxing them.

"Ryanair's 40 per cent capacity cutback at London Stansted shows just how much Gordon Brown's �10 tourist tax and the BAA Monopoly's high airport charges are damaging London and UK tourism and the British economy generally."

A statement released on Tuesday confirmed the cut stating that Stansted was one of Ryanair's most expensive bases to operate from and that BAA had rejected calls to cut passenger fees.

Ryanair will switch 16 of its aircraft, currently operated from Stansted, to other European bases with reduced airport charges.

Stansted Airport's managing director, Stewart Wingate, said: "Today's announcement means it is business as usual here at London Stansted Airport.

"Last winter Ryanair reduced its aircraft fleet here to 28, this year it will be 24. It is common practice for them to reduce frequency to various destinations during the winter season as they have done in previous years.

"We have factored this potential outcome into our latest passenger forecasts. However, it should be noted that Ryanair recently announced it will launch a new service to Olso from Stansted this October.

"Ryanair is one of the most profitable airlines in the world and the success of their base here, where they have invested millions in new facilities, has helped them become as successful as they are today.

"Stansted has been good for Ryanair and in turn, Ryanair has been good for Stansted flying nearly five million passengers to destinations across Europe in 2008. We look forward to continuing this successful relationship for many years to come.