Gayfriendly;
I think it is probably 75% airlines decision where they want to fly first,and 25% that an airport can add influence.
Need to bare in mind that most airports in the UK already offer new airlines or routes,really good deals to start, including BHX..free first year, reduced charges second then up to full price after a few years..so there is little extra they can offer on top to entice.
If an airline has little interest in operating a route,doesn't matter how hard route development teams work it will make little difference.
That is the problem with those on this forum that say BHX should abandon its long haul hopes and just stick to short hall targets.There are only a small number of short hauls left not served from BHX that airlines would say are viable for them.
Nigel