AIR Wales has called an end to scheduled services to Cardiff after 23 April.

About 80 jobs will be lost across their network – but none in Jersey – and the company will in future concentrate on charter and freight services.

The airline has blamed spiralling fuel costs and aggressive competition from larger low-cost carriers for making it ‘increasingly impossible’ for independent regional airlines to operate profitably.

However, the news has angered young mother Claire Rees, whose family are from Wales.

Her best friend is due to arrive in Jersey on 22 April but there will be no return flight for her.

‘My mum and stepdad are due to come in May.

To say I am not best pleased is something of an understatement.

I will be on the phone to them,’ she said.

The airline’s flights have been popular with sports fans from the Island travelling to major football finals at the Millennium Stadium, which has been used by the FA as its main venue while the Wembley redevelopment continues.

Also rugby union fans are regular travellers for Six Nations matches at the home of Welsh rugby.

Air Wales say that affected passengers will be contacted over the next three weeks and refunds will be given before 23 April.

The airline will retain a core team of staff.

However, 80 have been offered a redundancy package.

Several routes may well be taken up by other carriers.

Air Wales chairman Roy Thomas said: ‘After six years of offering passenger services it is with sadness and regret that we have had to make the decision to cease scheduled flights.’ He said increased costs and strong competition have made it ‘virtually impossible’ to exist as a passenger-focused airline.

‘Without the vast economies of scale required to sustain and successfully compete in the passenger airline business today, it has become clear that Air Wales now needs to centre on charter and freight services to continue operating in the industry,’ he said.

Passengers who need to contact the airline should call 0870 777 3131 or through the website www.airwales.com.