BELFAST AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL

[GAZMO]

Disagree 21 Madeira cask year old is better
Back to the aviation thread and potential Germanwings arrival, could be interlining with UA to USA as part of star alliance. On their website it's coming up as BFS so I doubt it's going to be BHD unless a typo error

[BHD2BFS]

Is it getting too late for turkish airlines to announce a route for spring/summer 2015
Or will we have to wait until 2016 like papers suggested

Out of curiosity does anyone know if BFS are taking to another American airline in case united pack up in January and don't return?

I'm surprised there has been no Westjet rumours for next year, would be perfect size aircraft for route

[easyboy14]

Reg for tomorrow is EC-JZU for any spotters wishing to see it

ETA Arr 08:56 ETA dep 10:10

EC-JZU

ANE3405
CRJ9 LEVC EGAA

ANE2666
CRJ9 EGAA LEMD

[GAZMO]

Tried to book UA for late December and returning on 8th January and no flights on the website from 29th December
Announcement was UA terminating from 9th January?

Agree Westjet would be great for BFS

[eastern wiseguy]

Stab 3

Yes. Also Brymon and Crossair into EGAB.....i seem to recall it was just after the current cease fire.

[EI-BUD]

I recall Enniskillen had a weekly Jersey and Zurich by the airlines you suggest, by the little Dash and 146....

Don't recall a German route

[eastern wiseguy]

Sorry I wasnt clear. The German was into BFS . I was alluding to the popularity of the west of the province.

[lgwba1]

DBA did indeed operate charter flight at one time they operated HAM-KIR-BFS-HAM remeber dispatching a few on a Saturday afternoon.

[BFS BHD]

SunExpress replaces Pegasus Airlines next year on the peak DLM flights on Fridays in July 2015 for Thomas Cook for 3 weeks.

Arr: XQ5856 16:30 19:25
Dep: XQ5857 21:30 04:05

[BFS BHD]

I see on Topflight that they have flights bookable to Toulouse with transfers to Andorra on Sundays in W14/15, begins 21st Dec 2014.

Flight times:
Deps: LS2161 06:00 09:25
Arrs: LS2162 10:10 11:35

-------------------------------

They also have Salzburg like last year bookable on Saturdays, begins 20th Dec 2014.

Flight times:
Deps: LS2139 08:55 12:35
Arrs: LS2140 13:20 15:00

[GAZMO]

Excellent news. Nice to see a few extra flights in the quieter winter months.
Any word on Verona for ski destinations. EZY operated this last year

Any other good news on the horizon ?

[BHD2BFS]

Also heard a rumour that one of the Verona charters from BHD will be moving to BFS

[BFS Dude]

Wonder what carrier it could be Air Dolomiti? Volotea? or even Aer Lingus but highly unlikely that Aer Lingus would operate into BFS.

[EI-A330-300]

Also heard a rumour that one of the Verona charters from BHD will be moving to BFS

Wonder what carrier it could be Air Dolomiti? Volotea? or even Aer Lingus but highly unlikely that Aer Lingus would operate into BFS.

I will allow peoples imaginations do the rest......

[AIRPORT66]

Balkan holidays are increasing number of flights from Bfs to Bulgaria next year.

[BFS BHD]

Balkan holidays are increasing number of flights from Bfs to Bulgaria next year.


More flights a week or starting earlier than this year?

[BFS101]

Extra departures on May 25, June 1, June 8 and September 21.

So counting the last return to BFS, programme now runs from May 25 to September 28 2015.

[BFS BHD]

Cheers BFS101! :)

[BFS BHD]

Onur Air is back from 31st May 2015 to 26th July 2015 to Dalaman not sure if its for Thomas Cook or not, bookable on CharterFlights.co.uk.

Times:
DLM-BFS 16:30-19:45
BFS-DLM 20:15-02:45

[Cozy F]

Looking through the sites, looks like might be new BFS series with specialist Turkey operator Jewel in the Crown?

[GAZMO]

Assume they will be using TOM flights?


"Egypt specialists, Red Sea Holidays is continuing the company's expansion with increased regional airport departures now to include Belfast and Newcastle, plus two new hotels in Sharm el Sheikh - the 5-star Movenpick Sharm el Sheikh Resort and the 5-star Iberotel Il Mercato Hotel & Spa.
Red Sea Holidays will offer flights from Belfast to Sharm el Sheikh for the first time in May with Tuesday departures."

[BFS BHD]

Assume they will be using TOM flights?


"Egypt specialists, Red Sea Holidays is continuing the company's expansion with increased regional airport departures now to include Belfast and Newcastle, plus two new hotels in Sharm el Sheikh - the 5-star Movenpick Sharm el Sheikh Resort and the 5-star Iberotel Il Mercato Hotel & Spa.
Red Sea Holidays will offer flights from Belfast to Sharm el Sheikh for the first time in May with Tuesday departures."

Yea looks like it will be TOM. :)

[BFS BHD]

Any idea what airline will operate the flight on Tuesday 10th February 2015 to see the northern lights from BFS for Omega Holidays?

[GAZMO]

Assume this flight today is for the Ulster. Rugby team.

EZE9784 GUISEPPE VERDI-PARMA 13:30

If I am correct is this an Easyjet plane?

[yeo valley]

the eze 9784 is eastern airways. it im sure will be an emb 145.

[El Bunto]

Any idea what airline will operate the flight on Tuesday 10th February 2015 to see the northern lights from BFS for Omega Holidays?

I believe they charter from whatever is based at the airport. I've heard of Easyjet and Thomas Cook aircraft being used.

Probably Easy or Jet2 from Belfast.

[Mlinnie]

http://s.masslive.com/mzYu0DZ

[GAZMO]

Would be nice to see BOS on the departure board, but somehow cannot see it in the near future. Hopefully I'm wrong

[CabinCrewe]

would imagine there would be few other airports above in the pecking order offering all sorts of lucrative deals if this was to be a money spinner. Dont think the larger population catchment GLA could make it on a less than daily double drop 737 when GSM were about it what would be different about BFS given its recent EWR experiences ?

[AIRPORT66]

Boston was on the cards before only the spanish owner would'nt give the backing for it so it was lost with the new owners keen to get as many new airlines and routes there is good chance of it happening this time round but time will tell.

[owenc]

If it did come what airline would do it?

I think it could work if it was summer seasonal.

[EI-A330-300]

It will never happen. If you look at the US based carriers network out of BOS to Europe, its really non existent bar the few hubs such as CDG/LHR. BOS is very dependent on flag carriers operating. Aer Lingus Management yesterday completely ruled any T/A out of BFS as DUB was only 2 hours away and it wouldn't be viable.

[AIRPORT66]

Who said anything about Aerlingus doing anything.

[stab3.5up]

BOS a very odd choice. Would a city NOT served from DUB not be a better route to pursue therefore creating a market rather than diluting an existing one.

[owenc]

Can you Dublin people not be happy for us like EVER?!:=

And Boston is served from Dublin.

[SealinkBF]

Boston is a great city.

But I am not sure if BFS cannot support year round NYC why BOS would work. There is a big Irish population there so maybe that would make a difference.

But it would be great all the same.

[BHD2BFS]

When I was traveling through just before summer there was a shop fitted out beside Starbucks, it looked like another food outlet

Just wondering if it's open now and what it is

[GAZMO]

The retail outlet between Starbucks and Gate 18 is Traveller (think that's the correct name), Clothes Sun hats, etc

[BHD2BFS]

Another addition is good news, does that mean the only remaining empty unit is the me between whs and the Irish store?

I also noticed last time the coffee shop up where gates 12-15 are has closed down.

Does the new owner have any plans to renovate the international pier?

[GAZMO]

Yes I think that is the only retail outlet still to be leased. Glad to see WH Smith have smaller outlet as well just before Lagan Bar.


Cannot see the need for coffee bar at gates 11-14. Most pax have had, or have purchased their carry out coffee at starbucks when they are called to the gate


Maybe more important at the International pier for food and beverage outlet??

[BHD2BFS]

Possible bad news for BFS?
Dublin has landed it own direct flights to Iceland

[GAZMO]

Yes heard WOW starting Dublin. Still probably big enough for EZY to make money on the route.........just look at their prices

[BFS BHD]

I see on Belfast International Airport FB page that the new Managing Director Graham Keddie was meeting up with First Minister and deputy First Minister today to discuss airport development plans!

[BFS Dude]

BFS BHD posted on 31st July 2014;

I was looking on Low Cost Holidays website and came across some flights without a airline code or flight number with them:

Wednesday- Malaga Departs: 08:20, Arrives 15:45

Thursday- Lanzarote Departs: 11:05, Arrives 20:50

Friday- Tenerife Departs: 14:10, Arrives 00:05

Saturday- Palma Departs: 07:30, Arrives 14:10

Sunday- Malaga Departs: 06:10, Arrives 13:30

Don't see anything else at the minute...

But see a Alicante operating with a aircraft from ALC on Saturdays without a Airline code or flight number:
Arrives: 09:10
Departs: 10:10

Any update on who could operate these flight?

Is the Aer Lingus transatlantic rumor still on the cards?

Any update on Virgin bringing more flights to Orlando on the B787 next year?

Any idea what the German routes could be and what airline?

Any other rumors anyone heard?

[Skipness One Echo]

Is the Aer Lingus transatlantic rumor still on the cards?

Any update on Virgin bringing more flights to Orlando on the B787 next year?
The B787-9s are going to be LHR based so won't be going to Orlando, as for Aer Lingus, they're would prefer Belfast customers to feed their main hub at Dublin rather than have a more expensive point to point operation at BFS which wouldn't even connect with the majority of their Belfast flights at BHD.

[BFS Dude]

Thanks Skipness One Echo :)

[madgav]

Weren't hopes of EI T/A laid to rest long ago? Certainly with the move to BHD?
Think we need to look elsewhere.
I like EI and would certainly use them ex-Belfast but they are not now offering anything new or particularly interesting to the Belfast market.

[BFS BHD]

I see on Jet2 Holidays App that Madeira and Jersey are able to be selected but unable to see times or book are we going to see these next year? Not on Jet2s normal app or websites. Jet2 going head to head with easyjet on Jersey... And flights to Madeira again will be good if they do go on sale.

[EI-A330-300]

Is the Aer Lingus transatlantic rumor still on the cards?

Chief Revenue Officer Mike Rutter said on 26 September:

But he also revealed transatlantic routes from Belfast were out of the question because Dublin was only two hours away.

"If you have two major hubs within two hours of each other, they (routes) are not sustainable," he said, adding that this was the accepted model across the world.

Aer Lingus flying high with lie-flat seats from Ulster firm - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk (http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/news/aer-lingus-flying-high-with-lieflat-seats-from-ulster-firm-30615957.html)

[GAZMO]

Anyone know why UA 77/78 flight cancelled this morning?

[Cozy F]

According to United website looks like crew out of hours at US end. B767 op into Belfast tomorrow. :ok:

[El Bunto]

B767 op into Belfast tomorrow.

Indeed! A 767-400ER has arrived. We can play 'big international airport' for a day. :E

[madgav]

Lol any pics? :)


Edit: Some here: http://www.niaviation.co.uk/index.php?topic=15005.msg81731#msg81731

[BCALBOY]

Does anyone know where UA got the extra Flt Attendents from to Crew the 764 instead of the scheduled 757 ? Presume the Flt crew and FAs on stopover in BFS to op the 757 are dual rated and can op the 764 but how did they source the extra FAs ?

[El Bunto]

That's an interesting question. United have ( or at least had ) a crew base in Heathrow, perhaps they could have rejigged a few staff from there?

The 767 went out about 1 hr 10 mins later than scheduled, which seemed quite good based on handling two days worth of passengers plus the unfamiliarity of handling the type at Aldergrove.

We've had '300s in before ( and daily '200 freighters ) but not a 400.

[Waldo1]

Seen ezy839 swawk 7700 after what looked like several attempts at landing at bfs before diverting into Glasgow there...the weather at home must be shocking

[BFS Dude]

Any rumors going around BFS? Any sign of more new routes/airlines for 2015?

[Jamie2k9]

The 767 went out about 1 hr 10 mins later than scheduled, which seemed quite good based on handling two days worth of passengers plus the unfamiliarity of handling the type at Aldergrove.

That almost 3.5 hours for a job that doable in 90 minutes, 2 hours is usually the max time given by carriers even if its not a regular visitor.

[flying officer kite]

In my day we did a widebody in 60 minutes ;-) that kept you on your toes!

[OnTheRamp]

How did Menzies handle the ramp side of things? AFAIK they have no hi loaders, did BAH help out?

[BFS101]

Future Airport Development?? Interesting read, if only it can come to fruition!

BBC News - Belfast International Airport seeks enterprise zone status (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-29505772)

[db7]

Makes more sense than the planned one in Coleraine

[BHD2BFS]

He said the airport could work in partner ship with another airline to viable

Maybe air canada ?
Belfast-shannon-Toronto?

I see westjet is flying from Scotland next year also
I really though belfast would have been the next international route for them considering they see starting dublin 6 weeks early they are obviously doing very will with it

[Mlinnie]

Seen on another thread that Air Transat are dropping their weekly DUB-SNN-YYZ Flight next summer. Any chance of it coming to BFS and increasing to 2/3 weekly??

[j636]

Minnie

They are dropping that flight but they will still operate 4 weekly ex DUB direct.

[BHD2BFS]

Maybe that is why it has been dropped

Maybe the next stage is to announce belfast via shannon

[BFS BHD]

EasyJet as changed a lot of their times for Spring 15. Wonder will their be anything new or increases for Summer 15. (Should be on sale at end of this week)

[GAZMO]

BFS BHD


Which particular changes do you see? I am surprised that EZY have not been approached regarding new routes?

[BFS BHD]

Saturday seems to be the biggest changes.

Iceland was departing at 14:10 now on website as departing at 11:00
Jersey was departing at 13:40 now on website as departing at 13:35
Bordeaux was departing at 11:00 now on website as departing at 13:55
Palma was departing at 17:10 now on website as departing at 19:05
Ibiza was departing at 20:00 now on website as departing at 17:00

Other changes are there to and also a extra flight to STN added i think on Monday :)

[GAZMO]

Maybe something in the pipeline. Next week will tell

[BFS BHD]

Maybe something in the pipeline. Next week will tell

Easyjet posted this on social networking tonight:
Hi, we're releasing over 20m great value seats tomorrow throughout the day, we can’t confirm exactly what time they’ll be.

So keep an eye out for them tomorrow! :)

[BFS BHD]

Flights are being loaded.

Jersey seems to be up to 3 times a week and Bordeaux up to 2 times a week. :)

---------------------------------------
Alicante: Daily
Amsterdam: 9 Weekly
Barcelona: 4 Weekly
Birmingham: 9 Weekly
Bordeaux: 2 Weekly
Bristol: 16 Weekly
Edinburgh: 18 Weekly
Faro: 8 Weekly
Glasgow: 19 Weekly
Ibiza: 1 Weekly
Jersey: 3 Weekly
Keflavik: 2 Weekly
Krakow: 3 Weekly
Liverpool: 28 Weekly
Gatwick: 34 Weekly
Luton: 24 Weekly
Stansted: 21 Weekly
Palma: 8 Weekly
Malaga: Daily
Malta: 2 Weekly
Manchester: 14 Weekly
Newcastle: 15 Weekly
Nice: 3 Weekly
Paris: 6 Weekly

[GAZMO]

Great news any extra flights welcome. Do I assume no extra aircraft at BFS

[BHD2BFS]

So year on year easyjet have only increased jersey and Bordeaux by 1

Is this with 6 aircraft again or with the rumoured reduction to 5

[BFS BHD]

Still 4x A319s and 1x A320 :)

[GAZMO]

Anybody know about flight tomorrow
EZE9899 SUMBURGH 13:45 13:45 ??

[TRY2FLY]

I'd imagine from Shetland it has to be a charter to do with oil/gas industry

[El Bunto]

I'd imagine from Shetland it has to be a charter to do with oil/gas industry

I'd say you're correct, Eastern do regular rig crew charters from Donegal and Dublin to Sumburgh for BP and IAC.

[BFS Dude]

BFS BHD

I was looking on Low Cost Holidays website and came across some flights without a airline code or flight number with them:

Wednesday- Malaga Departs: 08:20, Arrives 15:45

Thursday- Lanzarote Departs: 11:05, Arrives 20:50

Friday- Tenerife Departs: 14:10, Arrives 00:05

Saturday- Palma Departs: 07:30, Arrives 14:10

Sunday- Malaga Departs: 06:10, Arrives 13:30

Don't see anything else at the minute...

But see a Alicante operating with a aircraft from ALC on Saturdays without a Airline code or flight number:
Arrives: 09:10
Departs: 10:10

Any update on these flights? Any rumors on who could do them? Small Planet or Germania maybe or a another UK low cost airlines like Monarch? :)

[GAZMO]

No word at the moment. Wonder which low cost airline site it is from?
Gone a little quiet at the moment on this thread?
Wonder if any progress on the Canadian front?
Maybe BFS BHD can enlighten

[BFS BHD]

I have no idea as well on what airline will operate these flights, Maybe someone else can, who knows what they could be?

They can be found on Cheap Holidays 2014/2015 | Last Minute Holidays | lowcostholidays (http://www.lowcostholidays.com/) :)

[AIRPORT66]

I think these flights will be done by other airlines that presently operate from Belfast and lowcost holidays have bought seats on them as for other things just have to wait see what happens over next few weeks or months.

[BFS Dude]

Thanks will just have to wait and see then.

[Stewart28]

Does anyone know what aircraft Thomas Cook are you using from BFS this winter ie reg number

[left rudder]

Z_zzzzzzzz

[eastern wiseguy]

Couldn't agree more. This thread is about Airlines Airports and Routes and Airline business.

It becomes more of a spotter forum every day. Less and less reason to read it.

Before the anoraks get on my case I COULD CARE LESS about the registration of an A321.

If you are interested in that nonsense go join the well known local aviation society.

[flying officer kite]

*societies.. ;)

[Calmcavok]

I COULD CARE LESS

Hate to be a grammar policeman, but surely you mean "I couldn't care less"?

I first heard this expression on American TV. It does not make sense. If you could care less, it's not exactly noteworthy...

[Tower Ranger]

I could agree more Eastern!

Which, for those hiding under the rock of pedantry, I guess would qualify as another idiom. Every days a school day.

[cuthere]

Every days a schoolday should of course read:

every day's a schoolday

Hehehe! Joking aside. This thread has deteriorated into a lot of drivel. Get back to the business at hand chaps.

[BFS BHD]

I notice on thomascookairlines.com that Paphos has appeared in the drop down list nothing bookable, could this be a new route or could they be selling seats on the Larnaca flights and bused to Paphos? :)

[GAZMO]

I think TCX a are flying twice weekly to larnaca next summer. Probably 1.5 to 2 hour transfer time to paphos

[AIRPORT66]

Olympic holidays are offering Paphos as well flying into Larnaca on Thomascook they must have an allocation on each of the Thomascook flights.

[GAZMO]

If TCX and Olympic are offering Paphos would there not be sufficient demand for direct flight to paphos rather than larnaca

[AIRPORT66]

Thomson/Firstchoice is also looking at Cyprus from Belfast they are reviewing there Belfast flying programme.

[BFS BHD]

Nice! Hope it happens! :)

Any other routes they are looking at? :)

[El Bunto]

Maybe those with an aversion to spotting can go and entertain themselves here:

Airline Timetable Images (http://www.timetableimages.com/)

'Spotters' and 'anoraks' are usually the best sources for what's happening in airline business, next to those actually inside the airline. Feel free to insult them if you want to lose their insight.

Reported insults to mod for removal.

[eastern wiseguy]

I guess you are referring to me.


I will just quote what one of the Mods had to say,(Evileyes)

Greetings PPRuNers,

Due to of another spate of misdirected posts needing deletion we regrettably must again remind you that the 'Airlines, Airports and Routes' forum isn't the spotters forum. If you ever find yourself tempted to type in a registration number or discuss aircraft livery it is extremely likely that you are making or responding to a spotter post.

Neither is this forum interested in aircraft seating configuration, in flight entertainment, or which aircraft type is flying a particular route except as a component of a discussion of the business of the airline. The Passenger Forum might be.


Let us know how your complaint goes.

[PPRuNe Pop]

Greetings PPRuNers,

Due to of another spate of misdirected posts needing deletion we regrettably must again remind you that the 'Airlines, Airports and Routes' forum isn't the spotters forum. If you ever find yourself tempted to type in a registration number or discuss aircraft livery it is extremely likely that you are making or responding to a spotter post.

Neither is this forum interested in aircraft seating configuration, in flight entertainment, or which aircraft type is flying a particular route except as a component of a discussion of the business of the airline. The Passenger Forum might be.
This was fair comment at the time is more so now.


We will be watching this again and if spotters continue to post drivel on this thread they CAN expect a tough line. Banning is a definite possibility as the next step so be warned.


It is incredibly irritating to have threads trolled or 'taken' over by spotters so that's enough. Many will note I have a zero tolerance level for those who keep trying it on.


Spotters have their own thread so please be nice and stay there.


PPP

[BFS BHD]

Passengers This Month:

371,550 -3

Passengers Rolling Year:

4,048,066 +0.3

[GAZMO]

Steady results for BFS, however domestic routes all appear to be down compared to last year, especially EDI and GLA down over several months stats, whilst at BHD BEE for these routes on the up!

[BFS BHD]

There will be a another flight to Las Vegas from Belfast International Airport departing on 13th November 2015 returning 20th November 2015. :)

[GAZMO]

Good news to Vegas

Has ezy put on an extra Friday flight to BRS?

Again looking at summer 15 with ezy I think ezy have an extra four weekly flights compared to summer 14 with one less aircraft

[True Blue]

Just checking Bfs - Bodrum for next July, only 1 flight per week now. Fare over £400 return with no food/bags. I can get for half of that from other airports. These really high fares are driving business away from Bfs. I have said it before, it is all getting a bit cosy here in NI for the airlines and we are starting to pay through the nose for many of our flights.


TB

[scodaman]

Belfast prices do seem very expensive. I've posted the below earlier on the Derry thread re the Faro flight price compared to the 2 x Belfast airports.

"The July Faro prices are terrific value compared to the Easyjet from Aldergrove and Aer Lingus from Belfast City

2 adults and 1 child Monday 6th July - Monday 13th July approx £545 from Derry, that's the base price with no bags etc.

Same dates from the 2 Belfast airports each coming in at a min £800 base price before bags etc."

[BFS BHD]

Thomas Cook Airlines will be operating the flight to Las Vegas at BFS in November 13th 2015. Confirmed on BFS social media site. :)

[BFS BHD]

Looks like Virgin Atlantic sales are very high from Belfast International!
Flight from BFS to MCO on 2nd July 2015 in 'Economy' are sold out already! :)

[GAZMO]

Wonder if there is any chance of a few extra flights?
Hopefully goes well for possible expansion in the following year

[BFS BHD]

Olympic Holidays has flights on sale with Aegean Airlines to Rhodes Airport, Heraklion Airport and a New Route to Corfu on Monday:

Tuesday:
HER-BFS 09:00 11:50 A3 4210
BFS-HER 12:35 19:00 A3 4211

Wednesday:
RHO-BFS 15:30 18:30 A3 4332
BFS-RHO 19:15 01:45 A3 4333

Monday:
CFU-BFS 07:30 09:15 A3 4254
BFS-CFU 10:00 15:30 A3 4255

[AIRPORT66]

With thomson/firstchoice already doing corfu you would have thought they would have choosen a different greek island or somewhere else corfu has done really well for thomson/firstchoice with full loads all summer.

[All names taken]

[[Quote:<<Looks like Virgin Atlantic sales are very high from Belfast International!
Flight from BFS to MCO on 2nd July 2015 in 'Economy' are sold out already! :)>>Quote]]

No surprise there. The NI air travel market is pretty predictable.
The earlier than Britain Summer school holiday season works well for the Med and Disney markets in July. Extremely limited demand outside July/August other than for cheap flights to Britain.

Was in BFS late morning earlier this week, it was totally deserted. I could hear birds singing outside the front of the terminal it was so quiet. It felt like its best days were behind it.

[BFS BHD]

Some Winter 2015 holidays are being uploaded for Thomas Cook Airlines and appears to be a new route to Fuerteventura bookable on Wednesdays:

Monday:
BFS-LPA - 10:05-14:25
LPA-BFS - 15:40-20:05

Tuesday:
BFS-TFS - 09:30-14:00
TFS-BFS - 15:15-19:55

Wednesday:
BFS-FUE - 09:00-13:15
FUE-BFS - 14:30-18:45

Thursday:
BFS-ACE - 08:10-12:30
ACE-BFS - 13:45-18:05

Friday:
BFS-TFS - 09:05-13:40
TFS-BFS - 14:55-19:35

Saturday:
BFS-TFS - 09:05-13:40
TFS-BFS - 14:55-19:35

Sunday:
BFS-ACE - 09:05-13:15
ACE-BFS - 14:30-18:55

[SecondDog]

No surprise there. The NI air travel market is pretty predictable.
The earlier than Britain Summer school holiday season works well for the Med and Disney markets in July. Extremely limited demand outside July/August other than for cheap flights to Britain.

Was in BFS late morning earlier this week, it was totally deserted. I could hear birds singing outside the front of the terminal it was so quiet. It felt like its best days were behind it.

Such a bundle of laughs!

If the main airline at the airport schedules its flights in waves, there are going to be times when the place looks empty, simple fact. Have you tried going through the place on a sunday evening (for example)?? Guess what, it looks busy then.

Holy crap but some people are so negative.

[owenc]

It was very busy when I came through 10 days ago with 5 Easyjet planes

[All names taken]

Just saying as I see.
Deserted, next to nothing on the departure boards, the screen went way onto the next day's departures. Most of those flights to GB.

Been going through the place regularly for years, the missus is from Moneymore. I stand by my statement, the place looks like its best days are behind it...a depressing experience these days....she agrees too.

[AIRPORT66]

If the place annoys you like that it is simple don't go near it good god.on different note good to see some more of the old charter destinations coming back.

[madgav]

Just saying as I see.I see.
So you come through the airport at a slack time of day and conclude that it's a deserted, depressing place whose best days are behind it?
Then feel the need to come on here and post about it. :confused:

It may not have been busy when you passed through but those 4m pax pa have to arrive some time, right?
4m pax pa despite an airport 12 miles away competing for much of the same traffic (as I've posted before the combined Belfast market is ~6.5m, not too far off the size of GLA for example).
4m pax pa despite another "competing" airport 100 miles away which has the huge benefit (for them :rolleyes:) of not being burdened with the curse of APD. (And that's 100 miles from BFS but for those living on the SE end of NI it is just as easy to get to as BFS/BHD).

I think BFS has done all right given the above. And with some nice new route announcements within the last few months it should only improve in 2015.
I do agree however that serious investment is needed, especially in the arrivals area :rolleyes:
We need investment to attract new airlines.
We need new airlines to justify investment.
While all the time continuing to face the above challenges.
It's a difficult situ.

Even so best days YET TO COME in my humble opinion. :ok:

[CabinCrewe]

the combined Belfast market is ~6.5m, not too far off the size of GLA
Isn't the "combined" Glasgow market over 9m (GLA+PIK) :confused:

[madgav]

Lol I guess it is :)
Even though PIK is a little more than 12 miles from GLA :)

Point was that BFS may have appeared 'deserted' due to a combination of a less busy time of day and the fact that Belfast traffic is split between 2 airports (at the risk of mentioning that again :)).

But it's also true that GLA (in isolation from PIK) has a lot more airlines/routes than BFS/BHD 'combined'..... I do wonder why we lack the choice of even short haul routes that most reasonably sized UK regionals have :confused:

[OnTheRamp]

Madgav
Many routes have been tried and failed due to the Northern Irish publics lack of adventure and sheep mentality. Various airlines have tried Berlin, Munich, Prague, Budapest, Warsaw, Toulouse, Rome and Milan, only to pull the routes.

Sadly we've got the routes we deserve and only when people broaden their horizons will we get expansion such as Madrid, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Oslo, Stockholm, Brussels etc.

[eastern wiseguy]

Madgav...almost 34 miles by road between Prestwick and Glasgow.

Guys it is NOVEMBER. Airlines operate in waves. There is a considerable drop in demand at certain times of the year. This is one of those times.

There are two airports competing for the same business........the Belfast hamster wheel starts here.....AGAIN.

[AIRPORT66]

Rome and Prague are on the way back they are trying to get a links to Germany up and going in the near future as you say people need to be a we bit more adventurous these can happen and with help of inbound tourism can be maintained.

[stab3.5up]

I agree sheep mentality and adventurous means putting mayo on your chip's! !!

[madgav]

Ah the unadventurous NI populus. I forgot about that one :ugh:
I thought maybe the latest generation of the travelling public would be more open to different destinations. Add that to the list of challenges faced by BFS then....

But surely all these potential destinations aren't wholly dependent on outbound tourism? If that is the case we'll never see some of them :}

Plenty to be positive about nevertheless. And for now I've still got tons of Avios to use so can get to most short haul destinations for £35 all in. Will be seeing plenty of LHR T5 for a few years to come :rolleyes: :)

[All names taken]

Can't really blame the NI public, that doesn't make sense.

The fact is, it's a small market - with a population not that much bigger than Kent, and a market totally dominated by travel between NI and GB. This is largely low value vfr traffic brought about by the hordes of people who left NI during the troubles (like my better half) creating that market.

With Dublin down the road going from strength to strength, BFS is always going to struggle to sustain traffic that is non GB and July beach.

[madgav]

Don't think I completely agree with any of that.

As has been stated NI holidaymakers have traditionally been unadventurous in their choice of destinations.

The NI market may be small by the standards of the more populous areas of GB, but it's a sizeable market nonetheless (at the risk of repeating myself BFS+BHD+LDY if amalgamated into one airport would be a similar size to GLA).

I travel to GB fairly regularly with work, mostly on EZY these days, and from what I can see on weekdays at least, the flights are dominated by business travellers. And any time I book business travel (on any airline) it's rarely low cost :}

DUB is not a convenient proposition for much of NI and many areas of ROI.
Perhaps a lot of those pax to GB that you mention are connecting to destinations not adequately covered by BFS/BHD (or DUB)? I've done that many times myself.

But I guess you've made up your mind about BFS. Suggest you try DUB next time and endure the 2 hour drive (probably nearer 3 to Moneymore) :ok:

[BFS Dude]

Anymore on Turkish Airways to Istanbul that was rumored a few months ago? :)

[BFS101]

Direct flight from BFS to Cuba!
Thomas Cook selling the packages, and flights scheduled to be with TCX.
Departing 29 January 2016, 14 nights duration.

[BFS BHD]

Great News!

Times are:

BFS-VRA - 13:00-17:35 (Departs 19th Jan 2016)
VRA-BFS - 17:35-06:35 (Arrives 12th Feb 2016)

:ok:

[AIRPORT66]

After years of nothing from Thomascook looks like they are starting to show an interest in Bfs again and with the reintroduction of Fuerteventura during the winter 2015/2016.

[stab3.5up]

Praise the lord cuba.Fantastic news

[BFS BHD]

After years of nothing from Thomascook looks like they are starting to show an interest in Bfs again and with the reintroduction of Fuerteventura during the winter 2015/2016.

Looking again seems to be only some dates in Winter 2015/16 FUE will operate, think 2 flights in November and some in March and April.

[BFS BHD]

EasyJet have Split Airport on sale from BFS in S15 on Wednesdays.

EZY6761 BFS-SPU - 16:30-20:30
EZY6762 SPU-BFS - 21:05-23:10

Begins 20th May 2015.

[mart901]

Great news!


Has the route been flown before or is it totally new?

[ESCNI]

At ~£60 return in July, surely this is a mistake?

:ooh:

[mart901]

Just a lead in fare that won't last!

[ESCNI]

If only we hadn't our summer 2015 holiday flights already booked (at ~£200 each).

:{

[mart901]

Think I will propose a trip to Croatia next year to the Mrs!

[GAZMO]

Great news again. Tried Dubrovnik (LS) this summer and had a great time....Split most definite


Wonder if we are going to hear and more rote news. BFS is still on the germanwings website but with no destinations?

[AIRPORT66]

What other route will be sacraficed to bring this on or is there gaps to accomodate this new route after all they axed saturday morning Bhx flight to bring on Bordeaux.

[BFS BHD]

Don't think anything as been cut for the new route to Split think their was a gap on Wednesday afternoon/evening. :)

[AIRPORT66]

Looking at the easyjet timetable wed/thur flights to Bhx operate in the middle of the day no early morning flight.

[GAZMO]

BFS now disappeared from the Germanwings website, must have been an error?

[stab3.5up]

When will the good times end! My brain cant cope with all these new routes at both BFS and BHD. A fantastic boost for the economy. Well done to all involved

[BHD2BFS]

Maybe it should have read BHD?

[BFS BHD]

BFS now disappeared from the Germanwings website, must have been an error?

BFS now appearing again on Germanwings website but again with no destinations. :)

[GAZMO]

Wish they would make their mind up?

[EI-A330-300]

IT reports BFS are suing EI for 20 million over their BHD move.

Subscribe | Irish News Online" (http://www.irishnews.com/news/aer-lingus-being-sued-for-20m-by-international-airport-1391865)

[GAZMO]

Notice two FR diversions into BFS this morning. Was it Fog again at LDY or tec issues?

[mart901]

Gosh if every airport that FR left for another were to sue FR would be out of business. Harsh commercial reality, just like the customer the airline has choices of where to do business.

[GAZMO]

From BBC BBC News - Belfast International Airport: Date set for Aer Lingus case (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-29987586)

[Una Due Tfc]

You can forget about EI going back for the foreseeable future so.

[eastern wiseguy]

Mart

The crux of the matter here is whether or not EIN are judged to be in breach of contract.

BFS thinks they are,EIN believes they are not.

The court will decide .

[SecondDog]

You can forget about EI going back for the foreseeable future so.

I imagine they weren't going back anyway, hence the court case going ahead?

[EI-A330-300]

Second Dog

They were not leaving BHD but I believe BFS was on the cards again.

[SecondDog]

Second Dog

They were not leaving BHD but I believe BFS was on the cards again.

How so? Accross the pond?

Interesting, maybe they will find some way to be friends again....

[BHD2BFS]

It seems a little late to take them to court
But if they win £20 million it will be a great boost for any refurbishments, Maybe that's why the new owner is doing it?

[racedo]

It seems a little late to take them to court
But if they win £20 million it will be a great boost for any refurbishments, Maybe that's why the new owner is doing it?

Never too late to take to court as its still within contract term.

likely both parties have been writing back and forward up to know so to get a final solution it goes to court.

Likely will be eventually settled out of court because BOTH will not want to have dirty laundry aired in public.

I would generally ignore the maximum figure as that is there for effect and a negotiating position.

Only people to benefit are lawyers.

[racedo]

You can forget about EI going back for the foreseeable future so.

In business there is no such thing as "never".

[EI-A330-300]

How so? Accross the pond?

Interesting, maybe they will find some way to be friends again....

Shouldn't say but it would be Europe.

That is why I question the legal proceeding to be honest.

[racedo]

That is why I question the legal proceeding to be honest.

Maybe just an aid to negotiation or a warning to hurry the :mad: up and get it sorted.

[OnTheRamp]

Very strong rumours that KLM to AMS will be making a return to BFS in the near future

[BFS BHD]

Very strong rumours that KLM to AMS will be making a return to BFS in the near future

Nice!! Hope the rumors are true!! :)

[stab3.5up]

Heard same from a source atBHD.Anymore on TK?

[OnTheRamp]

Seems to have all gone quiet on TK.

Had heard the same about KLM at BHD but talks with BFS appear to be a far more advanced stage, thats not to say KLM aren't playing the 2 against each other to get the best deal.

[AIRPORT66]

There are a number of airlines in the mix for Bfs Turkish is one of them.

[BFS BHD]

What other airlines are 'in the mix'?

[mart901]

Listened to an interesting discussion podcast from radio yesterday, Brian Ambrose amongst others were talking and it struck me what a competitive advantage two airports gives. It would also appear there is a lot of focus on connecting Europe with the Northern Ireland market, good to hear airlines are talking to our airports again!

[BFS101]

Jewel in the Crown Holidays have just announced new flights from BFS to Dalaman, weekly Sundays from 31 May to 19 July 2015. Flights by Onur Air.

Source NI Travel News

[GAZMO]

No more rumours re germanwings starting flights to BFS? They still have BFS on the website.
Also noticed germanwings now have codeshare the UA, although if they did start services to BFS I don't know how much transfer traffic there would be
Germanwings ties up codeshare deal with United - www.travelweekly.co.uk (http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2014/11/17/51157/germanwings-ties-up-codeshare-deal-with-united.html)

[mart901]

Promising article in Belfast Telegraph, albeit with errors!

EasyJet adds new aircraft to Belfast base - 'wishlist' of routes includes Greece and Canary islands - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk (http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/news/easyjet-adds-new-aircraft-to-belfast-base-wishlist-of-routes-includes-greece-and-canary-islands-30755691.html)

[AIRPORT66]

This will mean in direct competition with Thomascook,Jet2,Thomson could they overload these routes now with to many seats or will there be enough to go around.

[BFS BHD]

Flights on sale to Tenerife, Lanzarote, Alicante:

Tenerife: up to 3 Weekly in December, rest of winter up to 2 weekly.

Lanzarote: up to 2 Weekly.

Alicante: up to two Weekly from February (No flight between Nov-Feb)

[EGAC is Better]

Promising article in Belfast Telegraph, albeit with errors!

EasyJet adds new aircraft to Belfast base - 'wishlist' of routes includes Greece and Canary islands - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk (http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/news/easyjet-adds-new-aircraft-to-belfast-base-wishlist-of-routes-includes-greece-and-canary-islands-30755691.html)

Good news. If they are serious about Greece and Canaries hopefully they would consider Turkey too. I would have thought Turkey would have more low hanging fruit and would be less of a risk than going head to head with everyone else down to the Canaries.

At the moment we have five Airbus A319 aircraft in Belfast (covering longer haul routes), which can hold 196 passengers, next year we will have four A319s and one A320, which seat 180 passengers but can fly longer routes.

Can't wait to see the public reaction to the 196 seat A319, should be cosy onboard :D

[Husky One]

Masters of spin.
1 aircraft less than last year. But somehow this represents expansion. Even the mathematically challenged can figure out that such expansion must be at the expense of other routes. Better than nothing I suppose :rolleyes:

[mart901]

I did say it had errors! However at least they are talking about BFS and route development even if its based on jiggery pokery. Greece would be good, not totally overserved from BFS, I guess canaries have year round potential. Wondering if EI will produce anything new at BHD.

[GAZMO]

As posted on BHD thread new route to LPL. Wonder now it will do compared to EZY up to 7 daily flights to LPL from BFS?
Flybe to operate a new route from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Belfast - Liverpool Echo (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/business/flybe-operate-new-route-liverpool-8169470)

[True Blue]

another route that was tried before and failed. will be interesting to see what happens this time.


TB

[flying officer kite]

Actually the loads were pretty good on the Dash 8 the last time the route operated, same for Bristol, but they were dropped to accommodate extra flights to Leeds and East Midlands. At the time I guess a combination of not having enough airframes, having the monopoly between NI and LBA (Jet2 dropping their service around the time), having more connectivity through MAN than LPL, the setting up of EMA as a small hub (connections to AMS etc.) helped in the decision.


Hopefully with the introduction of 'new' Dash 8s, the current recruitment program, and with the business seemingly turned around (or in the process of being) the route will stay. Liverpool is popular for the footie fans going there, or to Manchester, and a bit of healthy competition against Easyjet is good for us customers.

[ESCNI]

...however, only one flight per day at the weekends, making day-return trips impossible. Consequently, the only option for weekend matches is to fly out Saturday 08.25 and return Sunday 20.30.

:{

...advantage easyJet.

[mart901]

The weekend schedule isn't great - am I wrong in thinking this is third time for BE? However EZY have arrived on some of BE's own turf and they doing well at BHX and MAN, fact that EZY have 7 uncontested jet flights a day says to me they need competition!

[left rudder]

I recall JEA having 3 flights daily to LPL around 1988/89.

[BFS BHD]

Flights now on sale for Gran Canaria from December 2015-April 2016 (Break from 27th October 2015 to 20th December 2015, Also moved from Tuesday to Sunday from December.)

BFS-LPA - 09:30 - 14:15
LPA-BFS - 15:15 - 19:55

So far Alicante, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria is on sale for W15/16! :ok:

[AIRPORT66]

I wonder will they operate to Prague and Rome during winter 2015/16

[BFS BHD]

I wonder will they operate to Prague and Rome during winter 2015/16

Hopefully along with Geneva and maybe Salzburg!

[GLAinsider]

Flights now on sale for Las Palmas from December 2015-April 2016 (Break from 27th October 2015 to 20th December 2015, Also moved from Tuesday to Sunday from December.)
BFS-LPA - 09:30 - 14:15
LPA-BFS - 15:15 - 19:55

So far Alicante, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Las Palmas is on sale for W15/16!

I think he means "Gran Canaria".

[BFS BHD]

Woodgate Aviation at BFS has started building a new hanger down at Delta Apron near RW07.

It is scheduled for completion in June next year.

The hanger will be able to hold up to Six King Air's or a Bombardier Global Express.


Read More Here (http://www.belfastairport.com/en/news/1/401/woodgate-aviation-invests-15-million-in-new-airport-hangar.html)

[GAZMO]

Great to see any investment. Well done to Woodgate

Any more rumours on new routes?

[BFS BHD]

Any more rumours on new routes?

Hopefully!
Shannon Airport has joined Belfast International Airport on Germanwings website the other week without any destinations so maybe Germanwings could announced both airport at the same time soon to Germany? :)

[BFS BHD]

I was looking on thomascookairlines website and i have just noticed that TCX has put extra flights on sale to Orlando departing on

Friday 26th June 2015
Firday 3rd July 2015
Friday 4th September 2015

[GAZMO]

Happy days even if it is just one extra flight !!...or is it two

[BFS BHD]

Heres what Thomas Cook has on sale for USA and Cuba:

Orlando:

Friday 26th June 2015
Tuesday 30th June 2015
Friday 3rd July 2015
Tuesday 7th July 2015
Friday 4th September 2015

Las Vegas:

Sunday 5th July 2015
Friday 13th November 2015

Varadero, Cuba

Friday 29th January 2016

:)

[BFS Dude]

Any more on the KLM Rumor?

[mart901]

Anymore fantasy routes/carriers to throw into the mix for Christmas? Emirates? Cathay Pacific?

[GAZMO]

Maybe Eurowings or do we still call it Germanwings !!

[BHD2BFS]

I see belfast international airport handling has been bought over by HAE group, anyone know much about them?

[BFS BHD]

I see belfast international airport handling has been bought over by HAE group, anyone know much about them?
I think United Airlines has started using them but not sure.


Searched online and found their website. They have Handling at EMA and BFS:
HAE currently offer Aircraft & Cargo Handling at East Midlands Airport and Belfast International Airport.

[Skipness One Echo]

So who else handles? Menzies and Servisair/Swissport still on site?

[BHD2BFS]

I thought swissport now had the contract for everyone, including UA

[stab3.5up]

are menzies still in NI?

[Straightahead]

Menzies
Yes Menzies still in NI at George Best Belfast City Airport.A great loss at BFS with some great people

[stab3.5up]

Absolutely

[tigger2k8]

HAE / Belfast Airport Handling do the ramp and dispatch part of the UA flight with ICTS providing FOH. Saw it with my own eyes a few weeks ago when I flew out.

[BFS Dude]

Anymore news on Turkish Airways & KLM starting at BFS?

[BFS BHD]

I see on Social Media the New MD at BFS had 'Lunch' with Turkish Airlines at the Merchant with Senior Members of the Travel Trade today.

[True Blue]

I was at a dinner in the Merchant about 3/4 weeks ago and Turkish Airlines were there hosting a sizeable group.

Tb

[GAZMO]

Sounds promising but the proof of the pudding will be if they announce anything.
Time is getting short !!!

[AIRPORT66]

I think they have stated that if they did fly from Belfast it won't be till 2016 so there is still plenty of time.

[GAZMO]

First flight to Iceland tomorrow. Anybody any ideas of numbers booked?

[EI-BUD]

Gazmo... I'll be on it, bookings light on it !!!!

[owenc]

Well on the Easyjet site most seats are booked up. :confused::confused:

[GAZMO]

EI Bud
Enjoy the flight, great destination. I'm sure you will update us all upon your return
Numbers can be surprising, flew a few weeks ago on Friday early morning from LTN to BFS, thinking it should be quiet, no business PAx, maybe too early for weekenders......flight was full!!!
Good luck to EZY on the route

[left rudder]

Usually on new routes the inaugural flight is populated with reps from travel companies, marketing types and business partners.
Best to judge later in the season.
Personally hope to make the trip when it warms up a bit.

[GAZMO]

From todays press launch to Iceland, quote from EZY "We remain committed to expanding our network from Belfast".....what can we take out of that....


Also "Additionally, from February 2015 easyJet’s Belfast operation will grow further with the addition of 34 extra flights between Liverpool and Belfast. This will mean that easyJet will operate 78 flights between the two cities per week"........upping the ante with Flybe???

[AIRPORT66]

It means there is a big chance of more route announcements from them in 2015 also good to see more additional flights on LpL route from february.

[EI-BUD]

First flight for so close to Christmas well subscribed with 112 out and 68 were going back on the return leg, a sprightly 2 hrs 12 mins flying time. Very impressive little airport. Hopefully the route stack up for ezy. Despite -5 degrees, a very pleasurable place!

[GAZMO]

Thanks EI BUD
I'm sure you will enjoy Iceland
Hopefully a few more pax will enjoy the route in the next year

[BFS101]

Easyjet hinting at more new routes from BFS

Easyjet are also looking at starting other new routes from Belfast - these are thought to include a German destination and Copenhagen.


Also would appear Iceland flights doing well


Easyjet Head of Ireland, Ali Gayward revealed that advance bookings for the airline's new service to Reykjavik from Belfast International which started last Friday, were the best of any of the airline's new routes in the UK and Europe.


From NI Travel News

[BFS101]

Turkish Airlines



Both Graham Keddie of Belfast International Airport and Murat Balandi of Turkish Airlines expressed the hope that the airline which serves most destinations in the world would add Belfast to its list in the next two years.



The most likely date for the start of a Belfast International - Istanbul service would be 2016, but could begin next summer if everything comes together and Turkish Airlines route destination department gives the service the green light.


Also NI Travel News

[owenc]

Oh really good, I like the idea of new routes better than the usual Spanish routes.

[ILS25]

Emergency unfolds at Belfast airport - UTV Live News (http://www.u.tv/News/Emergency-unfolds-at-Belfast-airport/a768e0e4-7f0e-4eb6-9aec-c65ba707af28)

[True Blue]

Why is it that when a flight to our jewel in the crown airport, BHD, has an emergency, they need to divert to that hole in the back of nowhere, BFS? Surely it must be an awful experience for passengers having to jump out of a plane in an emergency into the awful facilities at Bfs?

[GAZMO]

Good question, why could emergency not be dealt with by BHD?

[BFS BHD]

Needed longer runway due to brake issues and possible flat tyre!

[BFS BHD]

Now on sale one flight per week (Saturday):

EXS349 08:00 11:10
EXS350 12:30 13:50

[elle may clampit]

Gaz perhaps it was because, they had all gone home. That's what it says on their twitter feed.

[larry the man]

It actually says ' Another day done at Belfast City we're off to put our feet up but our in terminal staff are still on hand to help you'.

[ILS25]

Has anyone saw that bloke Quintin Oliver giving off about how the emergency was handled by the airport. What planet is that guy on ?

Does Mr Oliver think that the airport has dozens of staff milling around every day for the sole reason of dealing with an emergency. Yes the airport fire and rescue service are there for that and are the first response. However they are not there to get passengers from the scene of the incident over to the nice warm terminal, their primary objective is to ensure there is no risk of fire or danger to life.

Mr Oliver was rattling on about how it took X amount of minutes for the police to arrive, X amount of minutes for catering etc. I think he needs to understand that a plan of action takes a bit of time. The airport had less than 10 minutes notice that there was an emergency, at this point communications would have to be relayed to staff who I'm sure are scattered throughout quite a large site doing their normal day to day duties to ensure safe and smooth running of normal operations.

When an emergency occurs an airport does not say "right everyone out" and close it's doors. It still has a duty of care for the people and passengers who are in the building and the airlines it serves, it cannot divert ALL it's resources to those involved in the emergency. However I would think that the situation would be closely monitored by the airport and the level of response would be decided upon accordingly.

If I had have been on that flight I wouldn't be complaining about having to stand out on the runway for a while on a rainy evening or having to wait for a bit of food to arrive.

At the end of the day everyone was safe and got home without major injury and I would like to congratulate the flybe crew and all the staff at BIA for a job well done !

As for Quintin Oliver and his expected "5 Star service" I'm sure a day at Antrim A&E would open his eyes.
Maybe if he is unfortunate enough to be involved in any kind of emergency situation again he can call for a private emergency response team that can see to him personally, give him a 5 star service and make sure he is home in time for his dinner !!

[BFS BHD]

Pegasus Airlines replaces Onur Air for Jewel in the Crown Holidays to Dalaman.

PC6419 DLM-BFS - 05:00-07:50
PC6420 BFS-DLM - 08:30-15:00

[BFS watcher]

The guy who is the mouthing off about the quality of his rescue is getting an absolute kicking on twitter from a few people. Saw the video of the rescue vehicle they use for gatheruing passengers bit difficult to miss.

[OneBellEnd]

Hi everyone

Interested in this topic as family member involved.

One thing I don't really understand is Why the plane didn't carry on into city airport?

Is it about not flying an under-powered plane over a populated approach or is there some other reason for switching to Aldegrove?

Only too glad on this occasion things turned out as well as they did. Pilots to be praised for that.

[GAZMO]

Hi
See previous post about brakes etc
I am also confused as I believe it would be shorter distance to BHD, and that the plane would have been flying over belfast lough and not overland as it had to do
Unless Captain felt that there were other issues regarding the plane that it needed a longer runway rather than engine fire.
If as happened diverted, would LDY have been shorter distance to fly?
Surprised that no shutes for near doors of the Dash8. Five foot jump for a young fit pax maybe ok, but someone older must have been daunting
However glad all made it off plane without injuries. Well done to pilot and cabin crew

[sealink]

Maybe as BFS has 2 ? runways ( i think) and services can continue to operate whereas BHD has 1 and the incident would stop services. Not sure tho.

[eastern wiseguy]

Regarding diverting emergencies.

Just a few random thoughts,

The person who decides where the aircraft goes in the first instance is the commander.
This will be based on quite a few factors which may include (but are not limited to),

The urgency of the situation.Does it HAVE to land at the nearest airfield?The nearest may NOT necessarily be the most suitable,
Can the aircraft maintain altitude?
Is the aircraft controllable (that is to say flyable)?
The runways at EGAA are longer than those at the City.
There is a choice of FOUR directions versus TWO .
The aircraft commander will know what aircraft systems are impacted (hydraulics, approach speeds,brakes) and whether or not the aircraft could accept a short runway with the prevailing weather conditions.

Basically there is more to the choice of airport than simple track miles.

Finally......MUCH better ATC at BFS :p:p

[GAZMO]

Very good post
Thanks

[OneBellEnd]

Thank you v much - appreciate the feedback.

Is it a silly question to ask then - if the airport at aldergrove hadn't been available to take the flight in these circumstances what would have happened then?

[GAZMO]

Prague now uploaded to January 2016, twice weekly Thurs and Sun, except xmas period when Wed and Sun

[blues-on]

Great response Eastern, but you'll probably find that your neighbours to the east make you look good. :ok:

[eastern wiseguy]

Blues EVERYONE is East of me these days .

So far as EGAA not being available that's a moot point. If something is not available then whatever is left will be considered by the aircraft commander.

[stab3.5up]

lets be honest here guys even a field is better than nothing in an emergency! !

[owenc]

I didn't realise the belfast to Iceland flight was 2 times each week!:D

[BFS BHD]

Yup two times a week all year round.

[stab3.5up]

I wonder how popular BFS is for inbound traffic from Iceland?

[AIRPORT66]

The first inbound flight had 68 pax on it the flight last friday had 123 pax on it quite few children on it didn't think it would have been a family destination.

[EI-A330-300]

Daily flights to CPH begin in 2015 with EZY.

[GAZMO]

Great Xmas present for BFS
Does this mean extra aircraft? Not on website at moment. Daily flights!!!
Have you a source for this announcement?

Congrats to management at BFS

[BFS BHD]

Nice!! Wonder when the flights go on sale! :)

[AIRPORT66]

Wonder when they are going to make announcement and if they will also mention the German route as well they got generous new contract so wait see what happens.

[GAZMO]

Can BFS fill a daily flight to CPN. Seems a bit much to me. Hopefully I'm wrong

[ILS25]

You may be right Gazmo, CPN is Papua New Guinea !