Azores Airlines has said it discontinued its direct service to Bermuda along with other routes because they “have no prospect of economic improvement”.

Meanwhile, the Government said it had received notice that the airline, also known as Sata, had two chartered flights confirmed for January and that it was committed to continuing discussions with the airline and Skyport, the operator for LF Wade International Airport.

The Royal Gazette reported this week that the Bermuda to Ponta Delgada service launched in June 2021 was not to be extended into the 2025 summer period.

Azores Airlines said: “As part of its plan to prepare for the IATA [International Air Transport Association] summer 2025, Azores Airlines has made the decision to discontinue certain routes operated by ACMI flights [aircraft rental with crew, maintenance and insurance included] and others that have no prospect of economic improvement.

“These include the direct routes between Oporto and Funchal to USA and Canada; Oakland and Terceira; London and Ponta Delgada; and the seasonal route between Ponta Delgada and Bermuda.

“This decision was taken considering factors such as economic rationality, the optimisation of technical and human resources, and the reduction of chartered aircraft on ACMI flights.

“The reorganisation is expected to enhance the flexibility and efficiency of Azores Airlines fleet management.

“Regarding the possibility of returning to Bermuda in the future, commercial aviation is a highly dynamic sector and airlines, including Azores Airlines, are always looking for stability, and remain committed to exploring viable and suitable opportunities that strengthen their network and connections.”

The airline did not respond to questions on how many passengers used the service compared with the capacity available.

The Ministry of Transport said it shared the disappointment of many residents and visitors of Bermuda.

A spokeswoman said: “The Government of Bermuda, the Ministry of Transport and the Azorean Government worked tirelessly to make a direct flight to Azores a reality in 2021.

“In just short of four years, this service has been a vital link for many, allowing them to visit family and connect to other European destinations.

“Understanding the impact of this cancellation on our community, the ministry will engage in further discussions with Sata and Skyport.

“We have received notice that Sata has two chartered flights scheduled for January and have worked with Skyport as late as February to secure a summer route.”

Andrea Moniz DeSouza, the Honorary Consul of Portugal in Bermuda, said earlier this week that the summer operation had been running at a loss and only certain dates attracted full flights.

She said she believed the issue could have been solved by the Government signing a reciprocation agreement allowing Bermudians to use their driver's licences in the Azores.

The Government referred to comments made in the Throne Speech that it had begun the required work to achieve reciprocity of foreign driving licences pursuant to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

It added: “The Minister of Transport has met Bermuda's Honorary Consul of Portugal to discuss this work. We are committed to keeping all stakeholders informed and involved in this process.”

Skyport was disappointed when news broke of the flight being halted.

A spokeswoman for Skyport said then that it was working closely with several airlines in conjunction with the Bermuda Airport Authority and the Bermuda Tourism Authority to “ensure Bermuda has adequate airlift and expanding destinations”.

Luisa Goncalves Da Ponte, the manager for travel agency Trip Ltd, who is in charge of flights to the Azores for the company, said it was looking into organising charter flights to service the route.