easyJet said the reduced flights at Luton were a result of the airport's "failure to recognise the commercial realities of the recession".

This is bad news for the thousands who travel from East Midlands to Geneva and onwards to ski resorts such as Chamonix, Morzine and Avoriaz.

Yesterday passengers were assured that all flights including those over Christmas and New Year would not be affected and the base is expected to close early in the New Year.

The airline plans to move capacity to more profitable airports and expects most of the aircraft to be redeployed to continental European bases.

In addition to the proposal to move aircraft from Luton and East Midlands, easyJet will consult on a reduction of the number of flight crew at Belfast, Bristol, Newcastle and Stansted. It is consulting on a reduction of the number of flight crew, which affects about 40 pilot and cabin crew jobs.