BELFAST AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL

[MerchantVenturer]

easyJet BFS-BRS

Any word on BRS being increased? The lack of an evening flight is a right pig.

Please accept my apologies if I've mis-read your sentiments but looking at the easyJet booking engine for next week there appear to be evening flights every day except Saturday.

Next week for example there are three rotations on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday with two on both Tuesday and Wednesday and one on Saturday.

On every day except Saturday there is a flight that leaves BRS at 1910, arriving BFS 2020, returning from BFS at 2045 to arrive back at BRS at 2150.

Looking at the summer timetable I checked random weeks in April, June and July and the number of rotations each day is the same as next week with evening flights again on every day except Saturday, although Monday admittedly is more of a late afternoon/early evening rotation.

The times are on Mondays dep BRS 1650, arrive BFS 1800, returning from BFS at 1825 to arrive BRS 1930. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays the flight leaves BRS at 2000 and arrives BFS at 2110, returning from BFS at 2135 to arrive BRS at 2240. On Sundays all timings for the evening rotation are 20 minutes later.

BRS-NCL which for many years roughly mirrored BRS-BFS in numbers and timings of U2 rotations is much worse. It's impossible to do a day trip now because of the timings with two days each week showing three rotations all of which operate in the afternoon/evening.

[cuthere]

Thanks Merchant, the earlier flights on a Monday are indeed very handy. However, for those of us with an up to three hours of travel (using public transport), arriving into BFS at 21.10 on a workday isn't great. I've often found that flight delayed as well, it being at the end of a multi-sector day.

If they had a late afternoon/wary evening flight get everyday, that would be brilliant.

[BFS BHD]

Ryanair - Gatwick W16/17

Appears to go up to 5 daily from the end of October. Appearing on the Ryanair app.

[belfastmark]

Originally Posted by BFS BHD

Appears to go up to 5 daily from the end of October. Appearing on the Ryanair app.

Looks like it's by a Bfs based aircraft too. Great news. I wonder when the other routes will be launched?

[FRatSTN]

Looks like it's by a Bfs based aircraft too

Well that's expected, LGW isn't a FR base.

[speedrestriction]

Originally Posted by FRatSTN

Well that's expected, LGW isn't a FR base.

Wouldn't necessarily need to be as they could fly a W pattern on say a DUB/ORK based aircraft if it was advantageous in terms of aircraft or slot utilisation. I'm not saying that they will, only that they could use a non-based aircraft.

[AerRyan]

A W from ORK which only has 1 return flight a day anyway?

Ryanair usually seem to prefer to set up bases when possible.

[sarcon]

I hear that all will be announced next week by MOL and that Berlin, Milan and Brussels will be among the routes announced.

[HH6702]

Hoping for BFS /NCL TOO

[GAZMO]

If it is going to be two extra aircraft then I think a few extra routes,. Anna.aero is suggesting NCL, LBA and EMA

[DC9_10]

According to the Flybe share price chat page, one of the issues affecting the currently low price (69p) as of today, is low load factors and revenue on the Bhd to Man/Bhx routes. If and when FR announce Lba and or Ema, I would suggest that could also have a further impact. Depending on which Brussels airport FR announce, could also be the crux of how long the Brussels Airlines service lasts at Bhd. Maybe Brian may ask aunty Arlene for a few grand more of taxpayers money to extend it. Just sayin.

[GAZMO]

I think FR are looking more at the primary airports, so I think They will be head to head with Brussels Airlines. If so I cannot see them lasting too long in the NI market, but you never know!!
Anyone know what day announcement will be made. FR just announced new routes from GLA and PIK today so hopefully BFS will be soon

[mart901]

Yeah and 6-8 months later after pushing SN out FR pull off because they cant fill a 738. Having spent years trying to get the route, seen it all before, SN don't fly to DUB so take that as FR saying get off our turf. That said some really good connections with SN, cheaper than BA or KLM which might stand them in good stead, they are on sale into winter currently.

[BFS watcher]

MOL in Belfast for a lunchtime speech on the 3rd of March. Rumours seem to back up Sarcon with the addition of lots more Stansted and EMA as well. Rumour in the travel trade that SN Brussels not booking well as people waiting for the FR launch of Brussels. Let battle commence.

[elle may clampit]

I take it that Ryanair are getting the same level of support for their new European routes that Vueling, KLM and SN Brussels got on their 'new' and not so new routes.

[EI-BUD]

I really cannot see the logic in NCL. Ryanair only have a token operation there and their Dublin route is as it stands only 1 daily except Fri and Sunday where there are 2. Jan saw 15K pax on the route and that was shared with AerLingus Regional.

The timing of the Brussels route is not opportune for Brussels Airlines. Not only has capacity on the Dublin route doubled with Ryanair adding Zaventum last year, but they maintained Charleroi and fares are eye wateringly low. The ARJ will be difficult to fill especially since it is starting from scratch and the added competition that is likely from Ryanair. Great to see BHD getting the BRU link but the level of connecting traffic that can be achieved is at best questionable.

The arrival of FR on EMA and LBA spells ruin for BE on the respective routes from BHD unless FR only have a daily token offering, but my guess is that they will do morning and evening. I'd expect to see 9.99 and 19.99 each way and widely available.

Upon reflection based on the current BE fleet size of 77, if 9 are based at BHD and as an arbitrary estimate 2 more are occupied serving BHD from based in GB, that would mean that 11/77, so 1/7 of the fleet committed to BHD, which is a very significant portion of their business. FR could make a serious impact on their operation...

[mart901]

Almost undoubtedly elle

[BFS watcher]

I doubt it very much..........

[AIRPORT66]

airport66

When does the money for starting up new air routes from northern ireland start,is Ryanair not entitled to some of that money when it becomes available.

[DC9_10]

Airport 66

Apparently it started with KLM receiving funding for the NEW Belfast to Amsterdam service. Then Vueling for the New Barcelona service and now Brussels also. I wonder if Vueling have to hand their deposit back though.