Bristol was dropped favorite increased frequency at LHR which is under two hours drive away from a lot of BRS's catchment area.
Yes, somewhat different circumstances to NCL in that BRS-EWR started in 2005 when CO had no access to LHR. In subsequent years CO gained access with 5 x daily including the one they eventually moved from BRS after five and a half years of year-round operation. No surprise at this as LHR is actually under 90 minutes drive from some parts of Greater Bristol.
Although BRS overall numbers were said to be satisfactory, at least until the recession bit in 2009, the airline said that one of the reasons for the withdrawal was the disappointing occupancy of the business/first at non-discounted prices which is back to the yield and is something which the NCL management and airline will doubtless be confronting.
Excellent news for the North East.