Bornholm's lifeline must be secured

Opinion piece by Karen Bladt, Chairperson of Bornholm Business Council.

See the post at Bornholms Tidende here.

The air link between Bornholm and Copenhagen is not merely a transport connection; it is the very lifeblood of the Bornholm community and crucial for the island's business sector. A reliable air link is completely essential in order to attract and retain qualified labour, maintain business contacts and ensure access to specialist skills that are vital for our local businesses, states Karen Bladt, Chair of the Bornholm Business Council.

Karen Bladt, Chairperson of Bornholm’s Business Council, states: ”Jesper Rungholm, CEO of DAT, has long warned about the critical situation we are now facing. The warnings have been numerous and clear, but so far without the necessary results. We in the business council support Rungholm's statements and urge politicians to act so that we can secure our flight route. Action is essential if we continue to want a thriving business community on Bornholm.”

The recent analysis of Bornholm's air service clearly shows how vital this connection is to our island community. It plays a crucial role in the health, mobility and quality of life of the local population, and is of great importance to tourism as it ensures our accessibility to and from the rest of Denmark and the world.

”For the business community, the flight connection is critical for maintaining an accessible labour market and enabling efficient business meetings, as well as visits by partners, suppliers and customers, explains Karen Blixen and continues, ”It is likewise indispensable for commuters who travel daily or weekly between Bornholm and the mainland to maintain their employment. Without a reliable and frequent air service, it would be impossible for these workers to continue their current jobs, which could have serious consequences for both individuals and the wider economic structure on Bornholm.”

Karen Bladt concludes by saying: ”Reduced flight”