Originally Posted by
True Blue
I don't think any Bfs fan finds it acceptable. But in an age where we all want to fly for peanuts, what do you suggest?
Agree...while BFS is built on loco flights, it's going to be hard to compete. Look at the investments in BHD...maybe nothing earth shattering, but new security recently, and now the new shopping area (even if it has introduced the dreadful, forced, "black brick road" through perfumery et al). For an airport with a lot less passengers than BFS, but more premium routes (and carriers), it shows what can be done. BFS badly needs to attract an Air France or Luftansa or Delta/America/United/Air Canada. If we can get a few of those airlines, then the momentum builds to introduce 'full fare' type facilities. But it's a vicious circle. You don't get the routes without the facilities, and you don't get the facilities without the routes. But BFS is a poor gateway for NI just now.
I flew into Providence with Norwegian in August...an airport that is 2/3 the size of BFS (in terms of passenger numbers) and yet has a fabulous new terminal...not opulent, but fit for purpose. The big difference...it's owned by the state of Rhode Island, and they see it as a gateway for their state. It's a pity we don't have the same approach here...