My apologies; evidently I used the timings for Paphos twice.

Given that all of the gaps are on Wednesdays, that means we're likely to see 2 or 3 new routes, depending on sector length.

Based on Jet2's destinations served by all/most bases except for BFS, the likely contenders are Bodrum, Corfu, Larnaca and Thessaloniki.

Yes but only for certain units.

The way the USAF / USANG works on contracts is decentralised. The handler has to approach each Wing to persuade them to award the contract for handling. When Global Trek was evicted from Prestwick and moved over to NI they brought their contracts with them, and have added more. C-130s mainly, some KC-10s and a couple of KC-135s.

In contrast the US Navy seems to make a centralised decision on handling airports. However they don't dwell as long on the ground at Belfast and so are less often seen.

Certain spotters say we're not 'supposed' to talk about all this in case the US military takes a huff and pulls out. They like their secret little club.

The press release on the airport website about Jet2 S19 states more announcements to come from them.

I heard on the grape vine that there is a ‘big’ announcement on the way? No idea what it is though, can anyone spill the beans?

The MD has been silent on Twitter for over a month now.(not like him) Is he ok? or is he really busy?

Hopefully something that can be a real winner, not another low cost, low interest flight/s, but beggars can't be choosers

Any idea of a timeframe? There's apparently been a 'big' announcement on the way for at least the last 3 months according to posters on here!

I've heard a few rumours - nothing concrete - but if any of these rumours are actually fulfilled then BFS management (and all of us) would be jumping with glee. But, knowing our luck the rumours will just stay rumours, and the announcement will be something boring like a new charter flight to ALC! I suppose one can always live in hope...

Aye.. You could do us a favour and tell us the rumours.

I wouldn't want to get everyone's hopes up. After all, 4-5 years ago we had several 'imminent' announcements for new routes with Air Canada, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar and Turkish, with these routes being branded a sure thing. But 5 years later and those announcements still haven't come ... yet.

Feel free to PM me if you really want to know what my sources are telling me, though as I've said the information isn't concrete, so I wouldn't bet my life on them turning into routes.

From what I've heard from Airline Partners group at Manchester, KLM moving to BFS as they want a 05.55 morning departure.

When is this happening?

Been told asap, but EZY not happy. It's gonna happen thought.

Now that would certainly be a 'big' announcement! BFS management would be jumping with glee.

Are you certain it's going to happen though? Surely both Belfast airports and KLM would be very tight-lipped if KLM were making the move.

When you say ASAP, are we talking about as early as Winter 18/19, or Summer 19, and do you know when BFS/KLM plan on making the announcement?

If true, this would explain why BHD haven't advertised KLM on their Twitter page since mid January. Before then there was generally 1-2 tweets a week with various KLM deals and offers. It would also explain why BHD management have seemingly given up on trying to establish the second daily flight to AMS.

It does beg the question however - KLM have been planning to operate AMS-BHD up to x3 daily since they launched the route back in 2015. If they wanted a 05:55 departure from Belfast, then why on Earth did KLM commence operations from BHD in the first place? Surely they would have known the strict operating restrictions.

At least at BFS they could operate whatever A/C type that took there fancy even if it was only once a day to AMS.

A 737-700 could function well from Belfast? No? 3x daily.

Genuine question, what would KLM passengers gain from a 0555 departure from BFS that wouldn’t be possible with a 0630 from BHD?

The 2-2 layout of the E-Jets currently in use to Belfast is vastly superior than 3-3 on a B737. Any upgauge to a 737 would be at the detriment to comfort IMO.

Early-wave integration ( 08:00 Euro, 09:30 long-haul ) without parking an aircraft + crew overnight in Belfast.

Benefits for all then! Thanks El Bunto.

Confused .
An 0555 dep would arr AMS around 0835 so wouldn't make 0800 Euro waves do would require aircraft and crew to overnight from previous evening.

Are you suggesting that a flight arrives in empty around 05.20 from AMS to do the 1st flight out from Belfast?