Belfast City Airport extends welcome to bmi flights

Belfast City Airport have welcomed the decision by bmi (British Midland) to relocate its operations from Belfast International Airport to Belfast City Airport.

The move by bmi will provide passengers with a service from the heart of Belfast to London Heathrow and East Midlands Airport.

Airport Director, John Doran, said bmi’s move was a “strong vote of confidence” in the City Airport by one of Europe's leading airlines.

The decision by bmi follows a major investment totalling £21 million in new airport terminal facilities which were opened in June.

Mr Doran said: “The addition of services to London Heathrow and to East Midlands will enhance the choice available to our passengers, and will help us serve them better, particularly business travellers and those who require onward international connections.

"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."

Flights to Heathrow and East Midlands from Belfast City Airport will start in the autumn.

As with the other airlines based at the City Airport, bmi will operate within the airport's existing operating times, and within its stringent environmental requirements.

Belfast City Airport is a prime regional gateway to Northern Ireland, and during the past decade has grown to become one of the most popular regional airports in the UK. It provides services to 17 destinations in Great Britain and some 1.1 million passengers are expected to travel through the airport this year.

The airport employs around 700 staff both directly and indirectly.

(GB)