Flybe are simply trying to make themselves look good to the residents opposed to the extension when in fact all they really care about is loss of business and money.
But why should they be worried if as they claim they have no intention of ever flying the european routes.
I will tell you, booked on the website Belfast to Alicante
Flight No. BE985 Depart Belfast City Mon 04 Jan 10 06:45
Economy
Operated by Flybe Arrive Southampton Mon 04 Jan 10 08:10
Fare rules
Flight No. BE1715 Depart Southampton Mon 04 Jan 10 12:10
Economy
Operated by Flybe Arrive Alicante Mon 04 Jan 10 15:35
Fare rules
Total Journey time - 7 hours 50 minutes
as you can see they are quite happy to provide all the destinations in the network albeit with connecting flights. So HQ will be worried about losing out.
And to have a journey time of nearly 8 hours is a joke, I could be halfway across the states by then. Bring on the proper low cost flights direct and give up a few valuable stands for aircraft that intend on actually doing more than just parking up on them.