Further to my previous post; I think that the airport itself is just as confused as what we are, below is a press release from DTVA:
BMIBABY STATEMENT—AIRPORT RESPONSE
Please find attached a statement from Durham Tees Valley in response to the News Release issued by bmibaby announcing that it is terminating its services with effect from October 29th
Durham Tees Valley Airport views today's announcement by bmibaby as quite inexplicable bearing in mind the current volume of passengers being carried by the airline. In particular, the Mediterranean routes to Palma, Malaga and Alicante have proved extremely successful since their launch in 2004.
It was only in April 2006 that bmibaby doubled its capacity out of Durham Tees Valley Airport with the introduction of a second based aircraft to meet passenger demand. This makes the decision all the more confusing.
As late as May we were being advised by bmbibaby, that despite the sudden departure of its Managing Director, the Airport should 'have no concerns over its future' as a base operation.
Twelve weeks later—and following record passenger numbers in August—they have decided to withdraw the base operation.
The speed of this turnaround is a shock and must raise questions over the consistency of bmibaby's route network development strategy. Questionable route development decisions—and lack of consistency in flying programmes—have challenged the market, but it is quite clear that when bmibaby has offered the right product at Durham Tees Valley passengers have responded very positively and in large numbers
Durham Tees Valley Airport is now carefully considering its position in the light of this announcement, with various options under review. The withdrawal of bmibaby represents an opportunity for other airlines to take over these successful routes on a more consistent basis and work closely with Durham Tees Valley Airport to develop a mutually beneficial business.