On Thursday 8, 2010, The Times printed the following: EasyJet to Start Belfast-Malta Service. I, like many others, was elated at the prospect of a direct flight due in February 2011.

So much so that I posted a comment which was printed in this newspaper.

Our twice weekly service started on schedule and runs throughout the year and we have used it on numerous occasions since without complaint.

However, all good things come to an end and so the modest prices introduced by Easyjet to attract a captive audience increased in 2012. We absorbed the small hike which is unavoidable in today’s business world.

However, I am incensed that the price of my 2013 flights has been increased by over 56 per cent plus an extra charge for allocated seating.

Alternatively I could fly, as an example, Belfast-Gatwick-Malta and return Malta-Gatwick-Belfast on the same day with Easyjet and have a substantial saving. But that means two flights out and two flights back. Where is the justice?

Although passengers from both sides of the Irish border use this service, we as a small nation are being taken for a ride by Easyjet knowing that there is no competition.

With a 56 per cent increase this year, what can we expect next time? Or do they price themselves out of the market and drop us altogether ?