Daily flights between Birmingham and New York - which only launched last year - are to cease operating.

American Airlines has announced that it will discontinue the two-way service from January 6, 2017 - a route that has been running since May 2015.

It is another blow for the airport after Beijing Capital Airlines announced in May that it would not be running weekly direct scheduled flights between Birmingham and Beijing and Shanghai.

A statement from the airport released today said: "Birmingham Airport is disappointed by American Airlines' decision to suspend its daily New York to Birmingham service.

"We appreciate that transatlantic air services are particularly competitive, however we are optimistic that another carrier will fill this gap shortly.

"There remains a strong demand from both the Midlands and North American market wanting to access these important regions and cities."

Birmingham Airport continues to run a daily non-stop service to New York Newark with United Airlines and regular connections to North America are also available with other carriers.

Passengers booked on American Airlines flights after January 6 will be contacted by the operator to make alternative arrangements or arrange a refund.

The flights were launched to great fanfare last year and was a boost as it offered a “British Airways code share” following years in the cold with the national carrier.

At the time, Paul Kehoe, Birmingham Airport’s chief executive, said: “This new route will not only create more capacity to this vibrant US business and tourist destination, it will also broaden connectivity and choice from the Midlands with American Airlines across North America and Canada and see the return of a British Airways flight code to Birmingham.

“Last year, the West Midlands exported £4.5 billion worth of goods to North America and has the largest trade surplus with North America of any UK region, and with global brands such as JLR, JCB, Cadbury and Kraft trading both locally and in the US, this is an important link for Midlands’ business.

A statement from American Airlines said: "American constantly evaluates our network to ensure we are maximizing our fleet and profitability while matching customer demand.

"Many factors influence network planning decisions - route performance is monitored over time to ensure that American is better positioning itself for long-term success against global competition.

"It is for this reason the difficult decision has been made to cease American's Birmingham service to New York.

"We are working directly with our Birmingham-based colleagues....to determine employment preference and employees will be given full consideration if qualified and eligible for open positions.