BELFAST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - BFS (Aldergrove)

[Tower Ranger]

Well going through Dubai opens up the whole of Asia and through to Austalasia but its at least 12 hours of flying to get to anywhere thats not India. The problem would be to convince the NI traveller that it might be better than two weeks on the beer in Spain.
Heck i`ll use it twice a year if they give me a good enough discount!

[eastern wiseguy]

if they give me a good enough discount

Like you need it!! lol

[BFS101]

£1 for a smoke...

Belfast airport charges £1 for a pre-flight smoke - Northern Ireland, Local & National - Belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Guess BFS are heading down the low-cost path, that if you want anything more than the very basic, you have to pay a little extra.

However, don't people realise yet that smoking is very bad for your health!! Don't start the habit kids!!

[NorthernCounties]

I actually think that's quite a clever money making idea. But I admit that as a non-smoker, it's easy for me to say.

[Helen49]

£1 for a fag is interesting!

I thought smoking in public places was contrary to UK law. Does this mean that pubs, hotels, work places etc can contravene this law merely by making a charge and thereby excluding the non-smokers? What is the difference between this and merely putting a sign on the door saying 'smokers only'...apart from the £1 charge? Am I missing something here?

[BFS101]

I thought smoking in public places was contrary to UK law.

It is illegal to smoke in public areas that are indoor, or more strictly speaking more than 50% enclosed.

From reading the article, it would appear that BFS have constructed a secure, outdoor area, with mesh style walls, therefore would be considered less than 50% enclosed and would not be contravening the Tobacco Control regulations.

I actually think that's quite a clever money making idea.

Initially I'd say they would just be wanting to cover the cost of making this structure. As I take it, it is post security, so at least now smokers have the choice, albeit costing £1. Up until now, the only place smokers could partake in their habit was outside the front of the terminal, and no facility was previously available for those after security. An extra choice, but at a nominal fee.

[mysecretsmile]

They are chancers charging a £1 for this - but not at all surprised !

Both Belfast airport's seem to be milking their passengers for every penny they can get and there seems no let up in this.

Dublin airport have an airside smoking area at one of their bars and I don't think there is a charge for this so why should NI passengers.

[BFS101]

Dublin airport have an airside smoking area at one of their bars and I don't think there is a charge for this so why should NI passengers.

Different management styles, different income streams, different customer priorities, etc.

BOH charge £2.50 as a drop off fee, LTN and EDI £1.
Other UK airports have a development fee, BLK £10, NQY £5.
LTN also charges £2.50 for luggage trolley's.

[Helen49]

BFS 101
Thank you for the info. One lives and learns!

[eastern wiseguy]

It smacks of desperation......Between a lack of choice of destinations and penny pinching with charging money to LEAVE CUSTOMERS at the door this is rapidly turning into an airport which folks will happily leave for Dublin.

I am a fan of the place (dammit I work there) but this death by a thousand cuts .

I believe in giving customers value for money.


This makes the place seem cheap and nasty.

[Timed~Out]

Eastern - not often I agree with you but definitely a strange decision. I work in your competition but will happily fly from wherever I can get the best deal. Having flown out of EGAA recently for the first time in a few years I was amazed how run down and dirty the departures lounge was, not an attractive place to be!

Maybe the NATS contract is costing so much there isn`t any spare cash for cleaners....?

[BFS101]

Thomson and Thomas Cook summer 2012 programmes on-sale today. Nothing new from Belfast unsurprisingly, Egypt and Tunisia both planned to operate.

In fairness the Thomas Cook flight information seems to exactly mirror this years, so may undergo some change as bookings progress. BHD also keeping the peak Reus it would seem.

[eastern wiseguy]

unsurprisingly, Egypt and Tunisia both planned to operate.

Well it surprises me. I think it will be a year or two before I venture anywhere near the Maghreb.

[BFS101]

Nothing new from Belfast was the unsurprising element. Egypt and Tunisia to operate for summer 2012 just a statement.

[Aaron9890]

What are Pegasus Airlines doing at BFS

PGT1483 Dalaman 13:00

arrival btw

[BFS101]

It's operating for Thomson until the arrival of the full-time based TOM frame towards the end of May. Rather than a TOM sitting idle for much of the week, airlines such as Pegasus and Air Europa are taking up the slack until then. Sharm has been the only destination served by TOM so far!

[EGAC is Better]

MON578P

A330 G-EOMA currently on what appears to be an app to EGAA. Nothing on the airport arrivals/deps for Monarch. Anyone got any info on what it is doing here?

[eastern wiseguy]

Anyone got any info on what it is doing here?


Yes thanks......and it just left......

[tigger2k8]

I see the first LTN flight got the water cannon treatment

Happy return for easyJet! - Belfast International Airport

Monarch performs charters for the other side of 25/07...

[EGAC is Better]

Cheers guys! Thought it might have been something to do with the other side. I have clocked similar flight numbers a few times in recent weeks operating as MON A330's from a place not so far from Oxford.