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UK Airport News
There are concerns over the future of the BMI service from Belfast City Airport to Heathrow, UTV reports. The route - which is considered the most important air link between Northern Ireland and Great Britain - is at risk with BMI expected to be taken over by British Airways.
Prof Austin Smyth from the University of Westminster, said he expects BA to cut the number of short haul routes BMI operates from Heathrow. He said: ‘The reason BA is purchasing BMI is for its landing slots to Heathrow. It could divert those slots to more profitable [long haul] destinations.’
However, NI Trade Minister Arlene Foster was more positive. She said: ‘We have been watching very carefully what is happening, but we are quite content because we know the flights between Belfast and Heathrow are profitable.'