I passed through LBA this week, the airport seems to be bursting at the seams. The new owners have clearly spent some money, but it is a drop in the ocean. The flow through the terminal makes no sense, a total maze of tensa barriers. The landslide and arrival facilities are still dated and grubby. The lounge could do with a facelift and some injection of character.
The southbound loads to Heathrow on the last flight of the day were very light, about 30 people. Northbound the load was very heavy indeed, just a few middle seats free in the last few rows. A surprising number had fast track entry (gold, silver card holders, full fare and connexions from business/first) at least 40 on the northbound. Which makes me hopeful for the future of the route. The number of Range Rovers and premiums metal in the shot stay was an eye-opener, but tallies with high numbers of "premium" customers. There were a surprising number of checked bags just from LHR as well, so O&D seems to be a part of the equation too. BA now offer free parking in the long stay carpark, with is walkable from the terminal. This is a big bonus.