BA used 9/11 as 'smokescreen' to scrap Belfast flights

A consumers watchdog has criticised British Airways (BA) for using the September 11 tragedy as justification for its decision to remove flights to and from Belfast.

In its annual report, the General Consumer Council (GCC) of Northern Ireland awarded a ‘wooden spoon’ to BA for "using the events of 11 September as a smokescreen for the withdrawal of their Belfast to Heathrow service".

Chairman of the General Consumer Council, Joan Whiteside said: "The consumer needs choice, especially those who are moving on to other destinations. Having Heathrow slots is very important to Northern Ireland, so that people can fly there to fly on elsewhere, and the loss of slots at Heathrow long term is very bad news to the customer in Northern Ireland."

Following its announcement to scrap the Belfast service, BA revealed last month that Dublin passengers would receive a cut in their fare prices from September 26.

Elsewhere, Citybus was also highlighted for its "worsening punctuality, reliability, cleanliness and on-board comfort". Phoenix Natural Gas was singled out for "persistent problems with its billing systems and the high rate of gas disconnections".

The council also reported receiving "an exceptional number of calls" from members of the public expressing their "disbelief" at the oil price rises. The council has called on the Oil Promotion Federation to explain the rises.

The council also expressed its concerns over the lack of regulation in the installation of oil central heating systems. The GCC said there was "considerable scope for disreputable tradesmen" to operate in the area.

However, it wasn't all bad news, and the GCC detailed many praise-worthy developments such as the £80 million order of 23 trains by Translink. The introduction of a fleet of 20 double-decker buses, the introduction of a new ticketing system on all buses and trains with the prospect of smartcard travel in the near future, and free travel for all senior citizens over 65 and war disabled were all singled out for praise.

Mrs Whiteside added: "The good news is that at long last consumers are becoming central to decision making. That’s the way it should be. Representing consumers isn’t always about criticising bad decisions - it is about ensuring that the correct decisions are made in the first place. Bad practice is still out there and we will always challenge it. Much remains to be done and over the months and years ahead the council will continue to make the consumer voice heard and to make it count.”

(GMcG)