Cyprus Airways is stopping its flights out of Birmingham Airport from next spring after more than 25 years.

The airline has said it is dropping the route because of falling demand.

Services from Birmingham to both Larnaca and Paphos have been popular with the Cypriot community in the Midlands as well as with people who own property on the island.

During the summer both destinations were served twice a week and in the winter once a week.

Mr Andreas Agathou, the general manager for the airline in the UK said: “Birmingham is very close to our heart and we have an excellent relationship with the airport.

“We are not totally unhappy with the load factors on the flights but demand was decreasing so we have taken the decision to stop the service from next March.

“We will, however, be keeping everything under review.”

A spokeswoman for Birmingham Airport said: “It is clearly disappointing news but we are mindful of the tough economic conditions affecting the industry and the need for airlines to review their operations accordingly.

“We hope that we see Cyprus Airways return once the economy recovers and we would remind customers that Cyprus is served by several carriers from Birmingham due to its popularity with both leisure travellers and those visiting friends and relatives.”