It just seems odd to me. I mean is that purely down to lower taxes? Handling fees at DUB etc? I mean neither are my local airport so I don't have a horse in the race so to speak, I'm just genuinely curious. Is APD really THAT damaging?

IIRC this was brought up by Arlene Foster, when Willie Walsh was over to open the refurbished BA business lounge in February 2014. He stated the fare difference was due to BHD being on the UK domestic fare platform, whilst DUB being on a European fare platform. European fares tended to be more competitive to get business away from their respective flag carriers and hubs, and to use BA and LHR.
At the time it was something Arlene Foster said she wanted resolved, as we had a unique situation here with a land border with another European state, offering these large differences in fares.

There are no mid or long haul flights to compete with at BHD so there is little incentive to offer cheaper flights. At Dublin they need to incentivise to compete with direct flights and other carriers who don't have a presence at BHD like Etihad, Emirates etc. Clearly they are happy with the loads for connecting flights vs the additional revenue gained from higher prices.

UB tax
 

Noticed on booking a ticket from BHD there's a hugely increased UB tax, up around £23-25 per person. Looking UB up online its a Passenger Service Charge levied by the airport!

Anyone know why? I'll be expecting a hell of a better experience for an extra £25 every time I fly. Starting with clean toilets and a heck of an improvement in the security experience.

It's like they want people to go to dublin!

Who were u flying with nrm2?

nrm2, you may have hit the nail on the head with your last line. I think that once the current planning issues are completed you will see the sale of City to DUB being completed. The plan thereafter is to use City as a regional, business airport and Dub for everything else.

Sounds a very plausible story. DAA if they can get their hands on BHD will then use that to smash BFS out of business. Then complete domination on the island of Ireland for DAA. I wonder how far down the road this sale is?

They are well known for adding on every additional charge they can think of. I recently returned a rental car to BHD before getting a taxi into the city centre. The taxi driver explained there would be a £2 surcharge as every taxi journey originating at the airport is subject to an airport levied charge of £2.

I did not fly to or from BHD.

I hear the announcement that the sale is complete will be shortly after the current enquiry, but not sure if that means when its is complete, or after the decision is confirmed by MHD.

Is there any actual evidence to say the daa have taken them over. They dont need BHD to damage BFS.

Perhaps people are getting over excited??

No evidence whatsoever, this is a rumour forum I guess.

I smell bullsh*t however.

Something like this would go to a competition enquiry I would think.

airport66
 

They are very confident they are going to win over the residents at this enquiry, but if the daa did want to buy it and try and smash bfs as all i have seen on both threads this past couple of days i totally agree with Ils25, it would go to an enquiry and put an end to mr ambrose plans.

Surely BHD is maxed out for parking stands at this stage with all the additional flights.

Sorry but short of getting runway extended and doubling parking stands BHD will not 'smash' BFS.
As much as I like the City Airport it has huge limiting factors, and I'm not talking about curfew, seats for sale limit, short runwa, I'm talking about physical space to expand, parking space....

They could never handle the freight business, nor Virgin 747, perhaps with extension of runway TA 757... So there will always be BFS.... Equally, if EasyJet did move, how on earth could BHD ever handle 10 airbus for EasyJet at the same time? A split of the EasyJet operation is the best that BHD can ever hope for...

shoe shine - if the Harbour has been sold or even in the process then its a very well kept secret. What`s your source for the information?

The seats for sale process has been very quiet as well, wonder when there will be an outcome for that. I was very touched to see how concerned the legal team for Aldergrove were regarding the quality of life for the Sydenham residents. What a farce that Aldergrove should have any input whatsoever.:=

KLM
 

I see KLM winter schedule is now showing
5 times a week with a 16:45 dept
personally I think this looks like the 2nd flight of the day to compliment an early morning departure

So potentially 12 flights a week?

Are growth is good for NI but I wonder how EZY will react

Does make you think they as in klm may do a night stopper based on this later winter time

KLM
 

Checked their website and it appears only five weekly flights for the winter, no Tues or Sat

Winter schedule isn't complete yet
I think it's looking pretty obvious
That it will be 7 morning flights -most probably a night stopping aircraft
And then 5 afternoon flights a week,
Doing this would mean no inbound flights from AMS until afternoon, and the 2nd would arrive late in evening to be ready for first morning flight the following day