Originally Posted by
scodaman
However, at the moment it is possible to book Flybmi Derry - STN for well past the end of the PSO window so I wonder does this mean that initial feelers by Derry City Council has revealed that no-one else is interested after the end of PSO date, even if it goes to tender?
More likely the route is open for bookings in order to allow as much forward-booking activity as possible, and one of three things will happen in due course:
- the PSO will continue, bmi will get the new contract, and nothing changes;
- the PSO will continue with another airline, but the timings will be similar (since that's part of the PSO) and bookings will be transferred over to the new operator (with customers having the right to cancel, e.g. if the London airport is changed)
- the PSO will cease, and passengers who have booked will be refunded. This should be known well in advance of the EU261 compensation window (2 weeks before departure) so no compensation will be due, just a refund.