Passenger watchdog TravelWatch is urging the government to act over sky-high air fares following Flybe’s collapse.

There has been outcry over some of the fares being advertised by EasyJet on its Liverpool route since Flybe went into administration.

A return flight departing on Monday afternoon and returning on Wednesday, for example, will set you back an eye-watering £651.98.

EasyJet insists its prices are ’demand-led’, with fares starting low and increasing the closer it is to the date of departure.

Terry Liddiard, aviation spokesman for TravelWatch IoM, said: ’We are conscious of the very adverse public reaction to the way in which easyJet’s fares on the route have soared in the past few days following the loss of Flybe services.

’We urge the government to engage in discussions with the airline on this. Whilst they may not have the power to intervene, they certainly have the power to influence.’

TravelWatch has welcomed Loganair’s take-over of services to Liverpool formerly operated by Flybe, allowing patient transfer flights to resume.

This is initially being done on an interim basis using a leased 33-seat Saab aircraft.

Mr Liddiard said Loganair, airport bosses and the health service all recognised that the aircraft capacity will not be sufficient for the needs of the route, particularly on those days when EasyJet don’t operate their own service.

He said: ’We fully understand that priority on seats must go to those travelling for medical reasons and we urge everyone to accept the difficulties this may cause whilst a longer term solution is hopefully secured.

’The number of seats available for the general public is initially going to be very limited.

’Would be travellers will then only have the options of the Steam Packet or EasyJet services to Liverpool on certain days.’

Mr Liddiard said: ’This is a community in crisis, with ongoing business and social needs for an affordable and reliable service to our most important destinations - and should not be regarded merely as a means to boost profits as a direct result of these very difficult circumstances brought about by the loss of a competitor.’

More on Loganair flights in the Manx Independent.