I would hardly call the 195 irrelevent - it is a very common sight across europe these days and about right for a 'city' airport too.
It is irrelevant when we are talking about performance restrictions.
If that rumour turns out to be true, shows how committed to BHD FR is then.....
Committed? you can hardly call nearly 3 years waiting on a runway extension not being committed! If they leave it will be because the airport was not able to meet the terms of the existing contract.
Then all we are left with is a big bill.
The owners of BCA are paying so where is the big bill you talk of?
I think everyone forgets that the airport is as keen on the extension as FR. Ryanair is constantly the focus when we talk about the runway. The airport has no gun to its head.
Also existing jobs at the airport will be very secure and new ones created which anyone working on the ground will agree is a big plus.
FR would not withdraw and leave the business to the competition, after all they are carrying serious numbers on most of the routes, ie STN. Besides axing STN would be making it a little easier for EI/EZY.
tend to agree, may just drop the based aircraft, but withdraw completely and the airport would take a hit. 16 odd flights a day is good business, extension or no extension.