To be fair NorthWest quoting Humberside is somewhat misleading, the catchment is non-existent and they barely have any flights full stop, so there is nothing to compare, in that regard potential passengers will turn to next best option be that MAN or EMA.
Would you not agree there has to be at least a baseline model to start with ?
Humberside simply does not have that. Manchester does !
MAN has flights to the USA so clearly has demand but cannot grow those markets due to what is a completely skewed set of circumstances. If they are at risk because of the volume of half empty planes at LHR well only my view but something is well amiss.
Why isn't the government interfering in this appalling state of affairs.
Why are we ready and willing to advocate putting all of this at risk by suggesting the government steps in to review mechanisms to manipulate the market.
Those are misquotes of epic proportions, BUT what about a scenario where say Emirates want to operate daily Ex MAN to the USA clearly it would be based on perceived demand, would that chime with your idea of letting "market forces" dictate route development ?
or
if say a UK based airline who do not operate to that market from MAN cried foul and went running to the Government would that be construed as "Government interference" ?
Think we all know the answer to that !
With regard to departure board snobbery LHR is up there as the largest holiday airport in the UK, it might be under a veil of scheduled service but there are many millions who use LHR for long haul holidays !