The problem is that BHX cannot disallow a carrier to operate through BHX
I can see where the the frustration lies.
BHX is trying desperately to increase its route structure, but with airlines like Hellenic Imperial, Air Shylet and now Comtel, as well as dismal charter ops from those like Skywings and the axe of uncertainty hanging over bmi baby it seems like the fortunes need to change.
It seems the appointment of the new routes guy has helped, as BHX has gained the new Monarch routes, LH to Berlin and whilst not to do with the new guy, extra routes from bmi baby. Hopefully more of the same will follow for 2012. The murmours surrounding ORD seem positive and hopefully IB will be persuaded to serve Madrid.
The problem with ATQ is that it is a well used route but getting the right carrier on the route is tricky. It seems AI is not interested at all, Kingfisher in dire straits and Jet not looking to move into the UK beyond LHR. There are not really any UK carriers to do it, as hell will freeze over before BA serve it, Virgin only seem to do leisure routes outside of LHR and bmi are being sold to BA.
Could someone like Monarch be really brave and try the route? Unlikely but, you see why the route has been left to the carriers like Comtel and Air Shylet