I believe FR fell out with BHX when a discount on all flights to Ireland ended. Their expansion started about a year before the expiry and so was possibly an attempt for BHX to continue the offer further but this didn't happen and so they reduced their presence. Not surprising as this is typical Ryanair behaviour! BHX could live to regret this but we'll never really know!
BHX seemed to hit a decline over the past couple of years, conicidentally with the appointment of the new MD i feel, but now appears to be back on track. Lowering fees for FR expansioncould have been an option but I guess shareholders(particularly Macquorie) were not happy with this!
Perhaps the expansion of T2 currently taking place could move "full service," short haul carriers such as LH,SK,CSA etc moving into T2, leaving T1 for long haul and Low cost carriers?
Anyway interesting times ahead for BHX, hopefully the runway extension will come ASAP igniting further long haul growth!
Regards, Mark
