British Airways' fourth weekly flight scheduled for the summer will not get off the ground.

And yesterday Tourism Minister David Dodwell admitted the move was a major shock.

The slap in the face to the Island's tourism and business sectors came despite recent assurances that the Friday flight would be going ahead -- and only a week after a major tourism push in London.

But Mr. Dodwell said yesterday: "The management of British Airways has confirmed to me that the flight previously scheduled to operate every Friday throughout the summer will not be in service.

"We are obviously shocked and extremely disappointed, particularly in light of the highly successful Bermuda Marketplace held in London last week.'' Mr. Dodwell said that he was aware British Airways had suffered difficulties due to a shortage of aircraft.

But he added: "There has never been any hint that this would impact on Bermuda and the fourth flight. The local BA office is as disappointed as we are -- they thought everything was in place.'' Mr. Dodwell added that the BA decision to axe the extra Bermuda/London connection was an example of an "unsatisfactory situation'' affecting air services to the Island.

But he said the recently-announced review of current airline and charter policy would address difficulties in this area.

Mr. Dodwell said: "Clearly, we must ensure that Bermuda does not suffer long term restrictions to the growth of visitors from key markets due to limited air access.

"...We need to review our position as regards specific markets, such as the UK and Canada, to make sure visitors reach us in the most direct way.'' The fourth flight between the Island and Gatwick Airport was only introduced last year, with the extra flight being added for the 32 weeks covering the peak season -- but BA admitted last year that they were "somewhat disappointed'' with demand.

A BA spokeswoman in Bermuda said last night the problems were caused by longer-than-usual maintenance schedules on the London Gatwick-based DC-10 fleet.

She said: "We are really shocked and disappointed -- but Bermuda is not being singled out. Services to Africa have been affected in the same way.'' The spokeswoman added that all passengers who were booked on Friday flights have been automatically re-booked on the closest flights.

Mr. Dodwell led a party of 20 Island hoteliers and tourism-related businesspeople to London last week for the first travel and trade event of its kind to be held in the UK -- the largest contingent ever to attend a European event.

Shadow Tourism Minister David Allen said: "It is certainly a great disappointment to everyone, especially when we are putting tax dollars into Europe. When you're putting money in like that, you want the seats.'' Mr. Allen also warned that fewer BA flights to Bermuda could also affect the business travel market from London, a world-ranked financial centre.