British Midland step in to serve Heathrow

British Midland has announced that the airline will fly to London Heathrow from both Belfast City Airport and from Belfast International Airport.

While confirming the transfer of the majority of its business to Belfast City Airport with the start of its winter timetable on October 28, 2001, BMI British Midland announced it intention to operate additional services from Belfast International Airport.

This will mean that BMI British Midland will now operate seven daily flights from Belfast City Airport to London Heathrow and four daily flights from Belfast International Airport also to London Heathrow.

The move follows the decision by British Airways to abandon services to and from Northern Ireland and negotiations aimed at retaining an Aldergrove to Heathrow service.

Austin Reid, BMI’s Chief Executive Officer said: "I am delighted that in conjunction with Belfast City Airport we have been able to take into account the needs of all Northern Ireland travellers and provide the community with Heathrow services from both the City and International airports.

"We believe that there is great deal of potential to develop our business from BCA from where we will operate the majority of our services. However, we also recognise that some passengers may still have a preference to use an alternative airport when flying to Heathrow.

“We have been able to put together a comprehensive schedule of 11 flights throughout the day from both airports, which we are sure travellers to London Heathrow and beyond will find extremely convenient.

“The retention of some services from Belfast International Airport has in no way reduced our commitment to work closely with Belfast City Airport. The two companies will continue to work together to develop a wide range of passenger facilities at the Airport. These will provide Northern Ireland travellers with the highest level of passenger comfort and service."

John Doran, Airport Director Belfast City Airport said that he had worked closely with BMI British Midland over the past week to develop a “creative solution” to the problem left by the sudden withdrawal of the British Airways Heathrow service. (SP)