Whether these slot applications, new FR routes and new EI and Wizz bases ever materialize at MAN remains a point of conjecture .
What isn't a point of conjecture is that said airlines have not (to our knowledge) applied for slots or to set up new bases at BHX.
Whatever happens with the pandemic and how it affects aviation over the next 12-24 months, it's clear that one thing hasn't changed and that is that airlines see far better returns and prospects to grow at MAN than at BHX. In the potentially lean times ahead for airlines, revenue and growth prospects surely must be of paramount importance.
I have read that (allegedly) MAN have offered both FR and EZY exclusive use of T1 and no landing fees for 4 years so perhaps both airlines declarations to greatly increase base units and routes is not such pie in the sky.
I think the best BHX can hope for is continued Jet2 loyalty with a small FR base and the hopeful return of EZY to EDI and GLA.
On the bright side, we do have EK going daily again and of course new routes starting fingers crossed from.Wizz. - you have to keep that glass half full!