I think the front end passenger nowadays uses the main alliances and rather than driving to LHR to get to heaven knows where, they use BHX, via FRA, AMS, CDG, BRU, ZRH, CPH, IST, DXB and EWR to get to where they need to. Those passengers haven't stopped doing it, they just do it differently.
Spot on ATN. Not just the front end either. Living now in Bedfordshire I have a direct train to Gatwick that takes 1hr 20mins after a 10 minute drive. Or a 15 minute drive and then a 40 min journey by rail to BHX. Besides the rail it is almost always quicker to drive the 80 miles to BHX than the 70 miles to LGW. I have found that routing through a European hub is often cheaper than a direct flight from LHR/LGW. Also, I can sit in relative comfort and have a beer at BHX where if I was going from London then one of the lounges is a must for a bit of peace.
