British Midland move operations to Belfast City airport

Business travellers in and around Belfast are set to benefit in terms of travel times after bmi british midland announced plans to move their London Heathrow and East Midlands operations from Belfast International Airport (BIA) to Belfast City.

The move is likely to cut travel times for Belfast travellers who previously had to travel to Antrim for business flights into London and the East Midlands, as well as shortening actual flight times between the destinations.

However, the decision has come under criticism from a BIA representative, Natalie Raper, Director of Marketing at the airport, who said that as a result of the relocation the local business community would lose “the benefit of 14 interchangeable British Airways, British Midland flights a day to and from Heathrow and on that basis alone it is a sad day for Northern Ireland.”

The decision has also angered local residents in East Belfast who believe the move by bmi will increase both air and noise pollution.

However, City Airport Director, John Doran said: "The move will further strengthen Belfast City Airport's position as a premier business gateway to Northern Ireland. A leading business airline is coming to an airport which has been specially designed with business travellers in mind.

“Within easy access of excellent road links, Belfast City Airport is well placed to serve the needs of the business community across the whole of Northern Ireland."

The announcement follows the opening of Belfast City’s new £21 million terminal in June. (MB)