Belfast International-2

[BFS BHD]

NEW ROUTE

Corfu - 1 Weekly (Wednesday) from 1st July 2020

Also Fuerteventura increases from 1 Weekly to 2 Weekly for Winter 2020/21

[GAZMO]

Good news and hopefully a few more to come.
I have checked Monday morning in July 2020 and there appears to be 5 early morning departures from BFS, being ALC AGP LEI PMI and FAO.

[BFS BHD]

LEI is showing as Tuesdays departures. :)

[GAZMO]

Oops. Thanks for correcting. 55 weekly flights now in July 2020

[BFS BHD]

Looks like Ryanair has removed Alicante for Summer 2020.

[sealink]

Looks like Ryanair has removed Alicante for Summer 2020.
Yes read this in the press this evening. Hope BGY stays as I use it regularly

[Straightahead]

Sad to see ALC axed woudnt be surprised to see AGP suffer the same fate.

[BFS BHD]

Any word on when easyJet will announce the new route for Summer 2020?

[toledoashley]

Extra S20 is due to be released tomorrow, whether BFS is on the list, I don't know.

[BFS BHD]

Cheers hopefully BFS is included. :)

[BFS BHD]

NEW ROUTE

Dalaman - 2 Weekly (Tuesday & Saturday) Begins 31st March 2020

[irishlad06]

Jet2 - New Route - Corfu for peak season x 1 weekly on a Wednesday

[mart901]

NEW ROUTE

Dalaman - 2 Weekly (Tuesday & Saturday) Begins 31st March 2020
​​​​​​EZY doing a lot of Turkish expansion, Turkey was one of TCX's biggest markets from the UK.

[BFS BHD]

Looks like Girona GRO is being added for Summer 2020 using a GRO based aircraft from 3rd July to 23rd October.

[Danmadole]

Anyone know what happened the 07:05 EZY6787 departure on Sunday morning? Delayed almost 12 hours and finally operated by a Berlin based A320 OE- machine with the inbound landing at 17:10 and the outbound going at 18:30. A long day for some passengers...

[GAZMO]

From Irish times today

https://www.irishnews.com/business/2020/01/03/news/passengers-down-by-60-000-at-aldergrove-in-november-amid-ryanair-winter-cutbacks-1804472/

Are there any new routes likely to be announced for the summer?

[BFS BHD]

Are there any new routes likely to be announced for the summer?

easyJet are to announce more routes for S20 next week but don't think BFS will see anything unless a new route is announced using non based aircraft as there doesnt seem to be any gaps in the schedules for S20. Maybe Berlin?

[DUB19]

Are there any new routes likely to be announced for the summer?

according to the easyJet thread it’s unlikely BFS will have any new routes.

[True Blue]

I was under the impression that a new Premier Inn hotel was to be built close to Bfs. Am I correct and if so, did construction ever start?

[BFS BHD]

There was work that started last year clearing all the grass/weeds etc from the area. But there hasn't been anything happening for months now.

[BFSOpsGuy]

Heard from three different sources that Vinci had a big meeting with BIA management last week. Plans for a pier to connect stands 9, 10 and 11 which are currently remote. Plans to completely revamp cargo apron and place 6 new stands, all with jet bridges. Plans also to completely redesign current international pier, modernise and place an additional jet bridge. Plans to capture United, KLM, Turkish and possibly a Middle Eastern airline. Vinci entering initial £110 million, with an additional £55 million should plans be approved. Hopes that govt can stump up another half of funding. Any work to start S23

[Husky One]

You lost me at 6 jet bridges 😂

[Alteagod]

You lost me at BIA management

[Blackfriar]

A very very long walk from the terminal to the cargo stands. They might need a monorail like the satellite at Gatwick South Terminal.
Will any loco pay for a jetway? It would be nice not to stand in the rain and wind on the stairs outside. No one has ever thought to buy covered steps.

[BFS BHD]

Jet2 had added two flights to Keflavik.

First departs 1st October 2020, arrives back 5th October 2020

Second departs 22nd April 2021 arrives back 26th April 2021

[GAZMO]

Nice to see Jet2 added a few ad hoc flights. Surprised they are not offering Christmas flights to New York.

would be nice if they added another aircraft for summer 20 but probably too late now

[True Blue]

I see the viewing gallery is closed, due to works it says. What works are or will be happening that means it has to be closed?

[irishlad06]

Nice to see Jet2 added a few ad hoc flights. Surprised they are not offering Christmas flights to New York.

would be nice if they added another aircraft for summer 20 but probably too late now

no extra aircraft for summer 20 however you are getting a capacity increase as the base becomes 4 x B737-800’s. The 300’s leave soon to all be based at LBA

[BHD2BFS]

How does Jet2s winter schedule look for W20/21?
is there much of an increase compared to this year?

[GAZMO]

Stats out for December. Compared to last December down 10.2%. Main reason reduction in FR services
Overall for year 2019 up 0.1%.

2018 6,269,025
2019 6,278,374

[GAZMO]

Jet2 winter 20/21 is very similar to this winter. However from looking at their timetables ATY and PFO running until end November 2020
Extra TFS flight per week and maybe an extra Canary Island flight over Christmas 2020

[GAZMO]

From this mornings BT

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/northern-ireland/belfast-international-airport-boss-presses-for-abolition-of-tax-on-flying-38922760.html

[BFS BHD]

Ryanair dropping the Monday flights to Barcelona Girona for Summer 2020. Friday flights still on sale.

[True Blue]

Has Thomson dropped Ayt from Bfs for S20?

[BFS BHD]

TUI never had AYT on sale for S20 only DLM.

[allnamestaken1]

TUI had a seating allocation on the Thomascook flight.

[BFS BHD]

Alicante - 5 Weekly
Antalya - Up to 2 Weekly
Bourgas - Up to 2 Weekly
Corfu - 1 Weekly (Longer Season)
Dubrovnik - 1 Weekly
Heraklion - 1 Weekly
Dalaman - 2 Weekly
Faro - 5 Weekly
Fuerteventura - 2 Weekly
Gran Canaria - 2 Weekly
Ibiza - 4 Weekly
Izmir - 1 Weekly
Lanzarote - 3 Weekly
NEW Larnaca - 1 Weekly
Malaga - 3 Weekly
Menorca - 2 Weekly
Naples - 1 Weekly
Palma - 6 Weekly
Paphos - 1 Weekly
Reus - Down to 3 Weekly
Rhodes - 1 Weekly
Tenerife - Up to 5 Weekly
Zante - 1 Weekly

Not showing Almeria, Girona or Malta.

[DUB19]

Good to see Jet2 filling the gap left by TCX on LCA.
Will there still be 4 based aircraft?

[BFS BHD]

Think its 4x B738 for S21

[Startledgrapefruit]

Was there much snow up there today ?

[GAZMO]

From Jet2 website for summer 2021
Hopefully still time for a fifth aircraft

Belfast International Airport

Almost 575,000 seats on sale in total, a capacity increase of 7%.
Over 50 flights departing every week during peak periods.
Cyprus – BRAND-NEW and EXCLUSIVE Larnaca, in addition to existing services to Paphos.
Canary Islands – up to 12 weekly services with the UK’s leading tour operator to the Canaries. Great choice and flexibility with up to five weekly services to Tenerife during the peak summer season, up to three weekly services to Lanzarote and two weekly services to Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria.
Balearic Islands – up to 12 weekly services departing to the Balearics, with up to six weekly services to Majorca, four weekly services to Ibiza and two weekly services to Menorca.
Turkey – up to two weekly services to Antalya and Dalaman, as well as a weekly service to Izmir.
Bourgas (Bulgaria) –extra service added for Summer 21, meaning two weekly services and more choice when it comes to getting to the best beaches and best value on the Black Sea.
Greece – weekly services to Rhodes, Corfu, Crete (Heraklion) and Zante.
Mainland Spain – great choice and flexibility to Spanish favourites including up to three weekly services to Malaga, up to five weekly services to Alicante, and up to three weekly services to Reus (Costa Dorada).
Algarve (Faro) – plenty of choice with up to five weekly services departing to the Portuguese sunshine.
Italy & Croatia – weekly services departing to Dubrovnik and Naples, providing Northern Ireland holidaymakers with stunning beach and city options.

[GAZMO]

From this mornings BT

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/easyjet-flight-returns-to-belfast-airport-after-passengers-smell-gas-38963155.html

[Alteagod]

A calorgas Airbus. That's must have s low co2 carbon footprint :)

[GAZMO]

Does anyone know why Lanzarote EI777 is diverted to BFS. All other flights seem to be arriving ok into DUB

[DUB19]

Does anyone know why Lanzarote EI777 is diverted to BFS. All other flights seem to be arriving ok into DUB

had to abort landing twice, most likely low on fuel

[Startledgrapefruit]

had to abort landing twice, most likely low on fuel
​
​​​​Or the other 10 including Kerry to Dublin
Or the diversions to Liverpool Manchester and Heathrow

[sealink]

I flew to BGY yesterday and quite a few diverted a/c on the ramp. EI A320, EI ATR and a number of FR 737s. Shannon paxs being bussed.

[True Blue]

Ryanair has put W20 on sale from Bfs.

[midfieldgeneral]

easyJet will operate an all A320 fleet (6) at BFS from 17th March. It’s currently programmed at 3 A319 and 3 A320

[BFS BHD]

easyJet will operate an all A320 fleet (6) at BFS from 17th March. It’s currently programmed at 3 A319 and 3 A320

Whats your source? Still showing A319s in the seat maps. Eg. IOM...

[Husky One]

Internal Easyjet source. It’s happening.
Still a drop in the ocean compared to the demand post Flybe.

[The Nutts Mutts]

Internal Easyjet source. It’s happening.
Still a drop in the ocean compared to the demand post Flybe.

Do you mean there's a lot of demand out there following Flybe's demise that Easy will be looking to cater for once things get a little back to normal?

[BFS BHD]

6 A320s based at BFS just for a few weeks or the whole summer season???

Still showing 3 A320 and 3 A319 in the seat maps, easyJet need to get the seat maps updated then!

[GAZMO]

EZY have cut mid week flights from BFS to mainland GB especially on Tuesday and Wednesday - eg MAN only daily next Tues and WED

[irishlad06]

EZY have cut mid week flights from BFS to mainland GB especially on Tuesday and Wednesday - eg MAN only daily next Tues and WED

this is a disgrace especially when they are charging up to £650 to get to MAN and £820 to BHX.

you would think they would add rotations

[True Blue]

Ezy seem to have removed only a few flights, especially to Man, but not all mid-weeks are reduced to one a day.

[buzz_hornet]

Appears tl be as below


Manchester x1 daily dep 20.45
Birmingham x 2 morning flight and late evening
Bristol x1 daily dep 20.50
Glasgow x2 morning and a teatime flight
Edinburgh x2 morning and a teatime
Newcastle x1 dep 20.30
IOM not sure on original schedule but x1 Monday and x1 Fri
Liverpool x2 morning and late evening
London stn x2 Tuesday morning and teatime
London lgw x2 morning flights
London ltn x2 morning and a late evening

Think this covers what will happen moving forward

[lfc84]

Appears tl be as below


Manchester x1 daily dep 20.45
Birmingham x 2 morning flight and late evening
Bristol x1 daily dep 20.50
Glasgow x2 morning and a teatime flight
Edinburgh x2 morning and a teatime
Newcastle x1 dep 20.30
IOM not sure on original schedule but x1 Monday and x1 Fri
Liverpool x2 morning and late evening
London stn x2 Tuesday morning and teatime
London lgw x2 morning flights
London ltn x2 morning and a late evening

Think this covers what will happen moving forward


IOM is no change

[GAZMO]

Full CAA stats for 2019 now available. Slight increase in numbers

[Alteagod]

There is slim chance there could be a small dip in numbers for 2020

[GAZMO]

I like your humour!!

[mart901]

Fares out for easyJet until Feb would make your eyes water on domestic. Some capacity increases on selected days, for instance BHX x5 on Friday but still down to 2/3 other days and x1 on Saturdays. Obviously big demand with lots of re-booking going on and no competition. Not sure how long the £200+ return fares will be viable..... 🤔

[GAZMO]

looks like no flights tomorrow from BFS assume EZY have cancelled all flights?

[tigger2k8]

looks like no flights tomorrow from BFS assume EZY have cancelled all flights?

Correct,

Freight only operations until further notice

[Startledgrapefruit]

Correct,

Freight only operations until further notice
Good luck to all

[speedrestriction]

Correct,

Freight only operations until further notice

Incorrect information.

[GAZMO]

appears to be a few domestic flights today and tomorrow but from Monday all domestic flights in April state fully booked. Bookings start again 1st May

[tigger2k8]

Incorrect information.

At the time of posting, correct. Hence the until further notice part... EZY then decided to operate a few rescue flights after guidance from the government, these were not confirmed at the time of posting. There may or may not be more after tomorrow.

[West Brit]

Who controls the arrivals and departures display board? It is confusing as **** to understand which day the flights are on that are being displayed.

[GAZMO]

CAA stats out for February 2020

Down 2.7%

Rolling 12 months 6,200,634

Wonder what March will be like!!

[yeo valley]

CAA stats out for February 2020

Down 2.7%

Rolling 12 months 6,200,634

Wonder what March will be like!!
March will look sick with pax numbers,like every airports across the world.I can see lots of changes in the airline industry when airlines start to roll again.1 thing for sure is things will alter in many ways,i dont know in which way ,but it will alter and not only in the aviation industry.

[midfieldgeneral]

easyJet will be moving the 6 aircraft to Liverpool next week for continued maintenance until the flying program resumes. There will be no engineering cover available to the airline in BFS till further notice from April 1st.

[Severn]

easyJet
All 7x based BFS aircraft are planned to position to LPL today for storage (1x A319/6x A320)

[GAZMO]

Drumming up business for next https://nitravelnews.com/news/grab-a-bargain-jet2-com-and-jet2holidays-summer-2021-programme-from-belfast-on-sale-now/

[West Brit]

easyJet
All 7x based BFS aircraft are planned to position to LPL today for storage (1x A319/6x A320)
didn't realise there were 7 Easyjet aircraft at BFS, thought there were 6.

[GAZMO]

From BBC NI news that "Belfast International 'burning £60,000 per day"

I wonder how much in total NI airports are "burning per day" if we include BHD and LDY

[cuthere]

BHD and LDY have significantly
reduced opening hours. BFS is still 24/7. Costs will obviously be different.

[Alteagod]

My understanding is that BHD is closed Tuesday and Saturday so burning money is a little extreme and as for BFS yes no passengers but by good they are helping to keep this place running with the DHL and other cargo flights.

[GAZMO]

Caa stats are out for March. Very depressing for all NI airports

[True Blue]

It seems Ezy have put a lot more flights on sale for W20 to Bhx, Man, Gla, Edi. They have thrown down a challenge to whoever might start these routes from Bhd, if that ever happens. Also Lpl, seems to be increases on most domestic routes.

[Alteagod]

No real surprise as no effective competition as yet from BHD. W20 might aswell be w30 they way things are all up the left at the minute.

[GAZMO]

I looked at a random week (16/11/20) in Nov 2020. Naturally some days are more than others, but below maximum number of daily flights
Up to :-
BHX - 6 per day
BRS - 5 per day
GLA - 6 per day
EDI - 4 per day
LPL - 8 per day
STN - 6 per day
LTN - 4 per day
LGW - 7 per day
MAN - 7 per day
NCL - 5 per day
IOM - 1 per day

PS has EZY dropped FUE for winter 20/21?

[passportstamp]

easyJet will be moving the 6 aircraft to Liverpool next week for continued maintenance until the flying program resumes. There will be no engineering cover available to the airline in BFS till further notice from April 1st.

I hadn't realised this until now - that's not great news.

I hope it's incredibly slim - but what are the chances of them pulling out of BFS entirely?

[Husky One]

The EZY aircraft farmed our all over the place to rationalise maintenance and also where they can be parked up cheapest.
They can be back in BFS within days.
That winter schedule really is good news. Whether it all actually flies is another matter but it signals a good intent.

[True Blue]

I hadn't realised this until now - that's not great news.

I hope it's incredibly slim - but what are the chances of them pulling out of BFS entirely?

Considering the size of the Bfs base, taking into account away based aircraft, why would they give up on Bfs?

[passportstamp]

Considering the size of the Bfs base, taking into account away based aircraft, why would they give up on Bfs?

I certainly hope they wouldn't! Just not taking any routes for granted right now, 'too big to fail' hasn't always worked out in the past.

[GAZMO]

Will BFS get any of the 5.7million support package as they are still open for cargo flights?

[True Blue]

No mention of them, so I suspect not. Anyway, Bfs is not essential in the way that Ldy is. Think on how many essential pax need to travel on essential business between Ldy and London. Big business at the moment, that. And Bhd is far more important to those that consider having to travel out to Templepatrick an insult.

[cuthere]

Annnnnnnd there’s the vitriol. Took a bit longer than expected, but knew I could rely on True Blue.

Perhaps lodge your complaint with the NI Gov and DFT? Maybe if there were any actual pax flights from Elizium, sorry, I mean Aldergrove, then that too would be supported.

[Fly757X]

No mention of them, so I suspect not. Anyway, Bfs is not essential in the way that Ldy is. Think on how many essential pax need to travel on essential business between Ldy and London. Big business at the moment, that. And Bhd is far more important to those that consider having to travel out to Templepatrick an insult.

It also has to be considered that a good chunk of the money went to the airlines and not just the airports. If just happen to be that LM and EI are the only two groups serving routes from NI at present. I’m sure if BFS had a “key-route” running then I’m sure it’s operator would’ve been in line for a chunk too.

However, I completely agree, BFS shouldn’t have been left out by any means. If anything it would’ve been the first to get. Hope you’re well and stay safe.

[EI-BUD]

I hadn't realised this until now - that's not great news.

I hope it's incredibly slim - but what are the chances of them pulling out of BFS entirely?

Never read such rubbish.
​​​​​

[True Blue]

Cuthere, can you not take anything that is said against Ldy? How many pax per day is using this service? What is the cost to the tax-payer? Another example of the billions that is being wasted at the moment as government/authorities tremble at the possibility their poor planning could have serious consequences. Lots of people who were paid to do a job caught with their trousers well and truly around their ankles.

[cessnarocket]

The North of Ireland has always been far too small to have three airports, never more so than the current climate. Surely only one can survive this and maintain profitability which there is only one suitable candidate . If we take a step further as an island perhaps only one airport will make commercial sense in the worst case scenario (commercial air traffic supressed for 5 years or more) and that would be Dublin.

[True Blue]

No it wouldn't. When it is too far to travel from Belfast or Ldy to Bfs how could they possibly be expected to travel to Dublin for a flight?

[panpanpanpan]

The North of Ireland has always been far too small to have three airports, never more so than the current climate. Surely only one can survive this and maintain profitability which there is only one suitable candidate . If we take a step further as an island perhaps only one airport will make commercial sense in the worst case scenario (commercial air traffic supressed for 5 years or more) and that would be Dublin.

Quite correct. All of Irelands freight, North and South could easily be routed through Dublin. Long haul and holiday flights easily accommodated via Dublin as well especially with the USA customs facility and fantastic road connectivity. All that would be needed would be a modern and efficient regional airport in Northern Ireland. We already have a good example of that in Harbour.:ok:

[BFS BHD]

Looking at BFS based aircraft times for next winter with all the increases to UK routes it seems BFS may be getting a 7th aircraft. Possibly a new UK route? LBA, EMA? Could change times etc to make it just six aircraft.

[EI-BUD]

The North of Ireland has always been far too small to have three airports, never more so than the current climate. Surely only one can survive this and maintain profitability which there is only one suitable candidate . If we take a step further as an island perhaps only one airport will make commercial sense in the worst case scenario (commercial air traffic supressed for 5 years or more) and that would be Dublin.

Belfast absolutely warrants an airport due to the volumes that absolutely can profitably sustain an airport. I don't think imho that LDY is essential, Belfast is not far away. As an island, the main gateways in terms of key infrastructure would be DUB, BFS and ORK.

Sadly I don't see the BHD business recovering to a, sustainable level unless easyJet can be persuaded to start ops. There is no other show in town. Given the Ryanair were already scaled back at BFS, there is no case for easyJet even being to look at BHD.

[panpanpanpan]

I really don't think Harbour is finished by a long way just yet. This set of circumstances has pretty much changed the outlook and game plan for everyone. As is always the case there are plusses and minuses for every airport on our small island. Dublin has leapt ahead of everyone in the last 30 years in terms of facilities and infrastructure, Harbour has invested in new facilities and has benefitted from improved infrastructure and will continue to do so when the last part of the west link project is complete. Aldergrove is exactly the same as I remember going on holidays from it 30 years ago! Same tired and grubby 1970s style building, same poor roads to get there, same promises of change that never actually materialise.

Who knows where any of our airports will be in 5 years? Will Aldergrove owners be keen to massively invest in a business that has taken such a hit or will they adopt a wait and see approach? Where will our local holiday market be? Will it recover or will we see an increase in UK tourism? Harbour and Aldergrove generally chase 2 different markets, Aldergrove have always been on record saying the bulk of their business is holiday summer flights whereas Harbour is steady throughout the year without the same peaks and troughs of traffic levels. Harbour CEO was on Radio Ulster recently stating that the FlyBe routes have been backfilled but for obvious reasons not yet active.

Where would Aldergrove be if EZY didn't survive this current situation in its present format. EZY could be a different beast than it is now in a few years time.

Bottom line is simple. None of the armchair CEOs on this forum have the first clue about the negotiations and deals being done with any of the airports. Their opinion doesn't count for squat. Incidentally I apply that statement to myself as well before the aerosexuals and spotters get all offended. I'm pretty sure though that the local airport CEOs don't come to Pprune for advice, thankfully!

[passportstamp]

Is it even possible for EZY to be at BHD, given the runway length?

[Captain_Caveman]

Is it even possible for EZY to be at BHD, given the runway length?


Those of you with a memory will remember that there used to be a Luton - Belfast City service for a while when easyJet was in dispute with TBI who were operators of both LTN and BFS at the time.

[Husky One]

You could get to Lanzarote from BHD in a bus if you wanted to but before that breaks all over Facetube - it’s not happening.

[GAZMO]

Virgin have announced 2021 schedule. BFS - MCO in operation although reduced. Not mentioned but I assume only weekly flight

https://travelweekly.co.uk/articles/370969/virgin-atlantic-releases-re-shaped-summer-2021-schedule

Video on Covid 19 steps that EZY are taking

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/video-news/easyjet-to-resume-flights-from-june-15-39223325.html

[GAZMO]

Looks like EZY have put back the start of the season to 1st July rather than previously 1st June
However some domestic flights in June from BFS
BHX - 3 weekly
BRS - 4 weekly
GLA - Daily
EDI - Daily
LPL - Daily

IOM, LON,NCL, MAN - 0

[True Blue]

A flight I have booked to London early June is still on sale as of now. Where did you get that info from?

[GAZMO]

.TB
You are correct LGW showing one daily flight. My mistake I looked at London all airports f for first week in June but must have only looked at STN and LTN

[allnamestaken1]

It seems LGW is operating from beginning of June 1 flight per day,it wasn't showing as operating when i checked yesterday.

[True Blue]

It has been on sale for a while now, as I have been checking on a regular basis. Until recently, all flights to London airports were on sale, within the last few days most were taken off sale leaving just 1 flight to Lgw. At the moment, they are showing a full programme from 1st July.

[BFS BHD]

Ryanair seem to have put a 2nd weekly flight on sale from BFS to Alicante for Winter 2020/21 on a Monday.

[True Blue]

Ezy has put the start date for Lgw back to 17th June. I have not checked other routes.

[GAZMO]

Seven routes confirmed for starting in mid June. Also video re steps taken by EZY re Covid 19

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/northern-ireland/easyjet-to-fly-to-seven-destinations-from-belfast-international-in-june-39223408.html

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/video-news/easyjet-to-resume-flights-from-june-15-39223325.html

[GAZMO]

FAO staring up again 15th June - 3 weekly

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-northern-ireland-52745698

[cuthere]

Incredibly sad news for those involved:

A quarter of jobs at Belfast International Airport set to be cut - The Irish News (http://www.irishnews.com/coronavirus/2020/05/29/news/a-quarter-of-jobs-at-belfast-international-airport-set-to-be-cut-1956764/?param=ds441rif44T)

[Alteagod]

Does this include tenants or is it just pure Airport staff. What departments would be just airport staff as so much is now third party? Still more sad news for the NI aviation sector and probably more to come over the next few weeks

[panpanpanpan]

Just watched this on the local news, absolutely tragic for those affected. I must admit to being surprised to the amount of directly employed airport staff, other than the obvious administrative department and marketing department, where would these jobs be? And more importantly how would you choose which department to downsize? I would have thought this isn't the time to cut your marketing people! Does anyone know if Aldergrove are still planning the big infrastructure projects they had planned? Unfortunately I think this is the start of things to come, not only in airports but across the board.

[GAZMO]

VNO restarting from 11th June

[PPRuNeUser0176]

Just watched this on the local news, absolutely tragic for those affected. I must admit to being surprised to the amount of directly employed airport staff, other than the obvious administrative department and marketing department, where would these jobs be? And more importantly how would you choose which department to downsize? I would have thought this isn't the time to cut your marketing people! Does anyone know if Aldergrove are still planning the big infrastructure projects they had planned? Unfortunately I think this is the start of things to come, not only in airports but across the board.

I would agree given security, retail, cleaning, handling, immigration, ATC are all contracted out or paid by Government unless they are including some of those roles such as security which will probally see the biggest reduction.

[GAZMO]

Looks like EZY not starting European flights until 1st August (except FAO)

[Husky One]

They're running BFS- FAO from mid June.

[True Blue]

Agp starts late July?

[buzz_hornet]

They're running BFS- FAO from mid June.

Looked and you can fly out on the 29th but (for example) can't return in or around the 12th.

All daft if the FCO remains on essential travel only

[GAZMO]

As a general rule summer European flights will be 1st August start except
FAO 3 weekly from 16/6/20
AGP 3 weekly from 16/7/20
ALC 2 weekly from 17/7/20
PMI 2 weekly from 18/7/20

Valencia and Venice starting 1/9/20

All subject to change of course

[Alteagod]

How does this work with the Government travel advice of stay at home or you die of covid from Jonny Foreigner if you go abroad or further than Milisle?

[GAZMO]

EZY has positioned an A320 in today from Gatwick. Getting ready for next week?

[Fly757X]

EZY has positioned an A320 in today from Gatwick. Getting ready for next week?

Went back to Gatwick about an hour later.

[GAZMO]

All set for the resuming of flights tomorrow. Nice to see the departure and arrivals board with flights again

[BFS BHD]

Looks like a 5th B737-800 will be based for part of the summer next year from Mid June to Mid July.

Extra flights to:
Dalaman (Sun Afternoon)
Faro (Friday Morning)
Fuerteventura (Monday Afternoon)
Lanzarote (Saturday Afternoon)
Palma (Tuesday Morning)
Malaga ( Wednesday Morning)
Reus (Monday Morning)

[LBIA]

It looks like easyJet have included a 2x daily Belfast - Leeds/Bradford service to be operate by Airbus A320 in their slot applications for this winter 2020/21, Guess its easy pickings seen as no one else has come into replace the ex flybe 5x daily service to Belfast City

EZY281 departs BFS 07:30 Mon-Sat
EZY282 arrives BFS 10:20 Mon-Sat
EZY283 departs BFS 18:30 Mon-Fri & Sun
EZY284 arrives BFS 21:20 Mon-Fri & Sun

[BFS BHD]

Any idea when it may go on sale?

[Alteagod]

Bo surprise really. Open season on the entire ex BE route network

[FRatSTN]

Shame they don't also look to EMA who also have lost all Belfast services since BE collapse

[allnamestaken1]

Think for them to do anymore routes they will need a 7th based aircraft.

[globetrotter79]

Think for them to do anymore routes they will need a 7th based aircraft.

Not if they switch an existing route using Belfast based aircraft (eg Manchester) onto an aircraft based at the other end to free up local based capacity to cover the new route.

MAN for LBA would be a pretty easy straight swap...

[brian_dromey]

Think for them to do anymore routes they will need a 7th based aircraft.

Will easyJet be operating the full schedule, as planned for the Winter though? It is anticipated that demand will be weaker than winter 20, so it might be that by reducing frequencies they will manage without adding extra aircraft. I image that domestic travel to GB will recover before demand to the rest of Europe.

[True Blue]

I see Ryanair have a few S21 routes on sale from Bfs.

[BFS BHD]

Manchester on sale for W20/21 at 2 Weekly flights.
Malaga appears to be down to 1 weekly flight but Alicante is up to two flights a week.

[True Blue]

Tui seems to have cancelled all holidays from Bfs for S20. They were still on sale last night. Imagine if you were booked on one of the earlier flights to have your holiday cancelled so late in the day. I am sure there would be some booked and hoping to travel.

[Alteagod]

Seems to be the case around most of UK. I wonder if DUB flights have been canned aswell

[True Blue]

Does anyone know what the loads are like on the flights operating now out of Bfs? I am just wondering how people are reacting to being able to travel again as the issue of how quickly we are prepared to emerge from this lock down will be critical to so many businesses.

[PPRuNeUser0176]

Seems to be the case around most of UK. I wonder if DUB flights have been canned aswell

Departures from ROI restart on 19 July, few route cancellations and Aer Lingus more flying than usual but TUI will have one aircraft at DUB instead of two.

[BFS BHD]

Anyone know if easyJet are planning on putting Leeds Bradford on sale anytime soon?

[GAZMO]

Great to see Jet2 and BH air back on the departure board tomorrow, along with some more Spanish flights from EZY this week

[DUB19]

Great to see Jet2 and BH air back on the departure board tomorrow, along with some more Spanish flights from EZY this week
BH air aren’t returning this summer.

[GAZMO]

Somebody should tell BFS to remove from arrivals and departure board!!!!

[True Blue]

So is there 3 based Ezy from tomorrow, looking at departures?

[kildress]

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/916x1225/img_20200716_081454365_7d083d699d7bc942127a455b87686c6b08445 a86.jpg
Closed for months and still couldn't fix the roof! This bucket had company in this departure lounge.

[GAZMO]

EZY have put summer 2021 on sale. Valencia, Venice and Dubrovnik not showing at moment

[True Blue]

Easyjet now has Bfs -Ncl priced at £126.99 on every flight from 1st Sept to the end of the winter timetable, 24th Oct. After that date prices return to normal. I have not checked Ncl - Bfs prices. I know that Ezy is proposing closing the Ncl base at the end of the winter timetable. I wonder what they are planning with this move? Prices are usually changed like this as a preparation for a big change. I have also just checked and it is the same with Stn.

[lfc84]

Do you mean Newcastle NCL ?

[True Blue]

sorry yes, i will amend.

[HH6702]

Newcastle base closes end of month.

im guessing it will stop people booking the route until they sort out how the flights are going to be operated and times etc between Belfast and Newcastle for the rest of the summer

[SWBKCB]

Newcastle base closes end of month.


End of August? Thought the 90-day consultation period was announced on 30 June, and then there would be a notice period?

[planedrive]

End of August? Thought the 90-day consultation period was announced on 30 June, and then there would be a notice period?

It's still under consultation at the moment so nothing has been agreed. But the original proposal was to close on the 31st August with pay in lieu of notice taking effect.

The consultation was a minimum 45 days.

[True Blue]

The pricing of flights has changed again today for those I checked in September. Flights operated by Bfs based aircraft are back to normal pricing, flights operated by away based aircraft are still showing the higher prices.

[BFS BHD]

Appears easyJet has added a few extra flights on some routes:

Birmingham - Extra Thursday morning flight. (06:40 Dep)

Glasgow - Extra Tuesday evening flight (20:45 Dep) and Extra Saturday Afternoon flight (14:30 Dep)

Gatwick - Extra Saturday morning flight (10:40 Dep)

Malaga - Saturday flight added (15:50 Dep)

Glasgow Tuesday 20:45 & Gatwick 10:40 flight use non based aircraft rest are BFS based aircraft.

They still planning on operating to Leeds?

[True Blue]

Major changes seems to be coming for Ncl route. After about 14th Nov very few flights on sale at all, some days have no service. It would seem that all Ncl based services have been taken off sale, just those operating Bfs based services seem to be on sale.

If Ncl and Stn routes are to be served by Bfs based aircraft and the large increase on domestic routes remains for W20/21, how could they do this with 6 based aircraft?

[BFS BHD]

Looks like Jet2 has dropped Verona for the winter season. No longer bookable on their website.

[kildress]

Does anyone there know what happened with BFS/AGP U2 6755, G-EZBC, this morning?
It appeared to start take off but not accelerate much before returning to stand.

[True Blue]

Out of curiosity I have being doing some searches on Ezy flights out of Bfs, using a requirement for 10 pax. It is amazing how many flights come up as full. Bhx, for example, has no seats until Wednesday 2nd September. Many routes are the same. Come September, they reduce fights on many routes, using Bhx again as an example, they go back to one flight on a Monday, which actually sells out quickly. I accept they are there to make a profit, but I am starting to think that they may be controlling capacity a bit too well. They also need to encourage pax to fly, they will not do that well if flights are full due to the limited services available. I know this is a difficult situation, but big business also has to play its part to try and get s back to some degree of normality, bearing in mind Covid could be with us for a long time yet. Man is another route that has a limited service to an extent that surprises me.

I will add to that odd times as well. Edi for example has departures ex Bfs on 24th Sept at 17.00 and 17.20, then on the 27th departures at 20.25 and 20.35. I have seen this before on other routes. Why have departures so close together?

[BHX5DME]

Out of curiosity I have being doing some searches on Ezy flights out of Bfs, using a requirement for 10 pax. It is amazing how many flights come up as full. Bhx, for example, has no seats until Wednesday 2nd September. Many routes are the same. Come September, they reduce fights on many routes, using Bhx again as an example, they go back to one flight on a Monday, which actually sells out quickly. I accept they are there to make a profit, but I am starting to think that they may be controlling capacity a bit too well. They also need to encourage pax to fly, they will not do that well if flights are full due to the limited services available. I know this is a difficult situation, but big business also has to play its part to try and get s back to some degree of normality, bearing in mind Covid could be with us for a long time yet. Man is another route that has a limited service to an extent that surprises me.

I will add to that odd times as well. Edi for example has departures ex Bfs on 24th Sept at 17.00 and 17.20, then on the 27th departures at 20.25 and 20.35. I have seen this before on other routes. Why have departures so close together?

BFS-BHX is nearly always full

[GAZMO]

Have to agree True Blue with your comments.

Looking at BHX in particular no seats available from BFS on 25 26 28 29 30 31 August and 1 September
To BRS no seats on 31 August and 2 September
Many of the other domestic routes maybe only have seats available of one flight only as others fully booked

[FFMAN]

We tried to get some colleagues over here to Manchester for a much delayed and necessary site visit.
We spent / wasted more than 2 hours on this and in the end have concluded it's impossible in any practical sense whatsoever. The flight days / times are a complete screwfest.
It was probably easier to fly between the two cities in 1947.
Economies are going to get smashed unless something changes.

[allnamestaken1]

Jet2 operated the Verona flight on behalf of a tour operator,they have cancelled it to 2021/22.

[True Blue]

Yes the times to Man are not good at all. On several days the one flight departs around 9.30pm. First flight on a Monday could be late morning. I have heard from several businesses that they are tired of zoom calls and want to get back to personal meetings. That is very important in industries where establishing good personal relationships is important. We have heard a lot in this province about the importance of air connectivity, I'm not sure Ezy are contributing to that as well as they could. Just my opinion as I believe that big business especially have a big part to play in trying to get some sort of recovery.

[mart901]

Yes the times to Man are not good at all. On several days the one flight departs around 9.30pm. First flight on a Monday could be late morning. I have heard from several businesses that they are tired of zoom calls and want to get back to personal meetings. That is very important in industries where establishing good personal relationships is important. We have heard a lot in this province about the importance of air connectivity, I'm not sure Ezy are contributing to that as well as they could. Just my opinion as I believe that big business especially have a big part to play in trying to get some sort of recovery.

Won't be an issue soon when EIR get going 3-4 times daily

[True Blue]

I have been looking and I think, but I'm not sure, that Ezy may have taken a flight off the London routes most days going into October. If I am right, I have to say that will not improve matters for those looking to travel. With the closure of the Stn base, times on the Stn route are now largely useless, two flights on a Friday and one on a Sunday. The result of that is that the only flight to Stn on Sunday 3rd Jan 2021 is currently £358.99(single). As Ezy tries hard to destroy the route to Stn, I wonder will Fr step in again now that they are looking at much less competition on the route.

Ezy it appears certainly doesn't believe it has much of a role to play in keeping that all important connectivity at a good level or trying to get business going. Do they believe business has more or less stopped?

[GAZMO]

TB - I still think they are in the process of finalising NCL and STN, although they are taking their time.

Still wondering about the twice daily LBA ? Has anyone any news on this route??

[BHX5DME]

I cannot see how easy could now fit in LBA as it looks like BHX has been deceased to accomodate NCL and STN

[ATNotts]

I cannot see how easy could now fit in LBA as it looks like BHX has been deceased to accomodate NCL and STN

I think reports of BHXs' death are somewhat exaggerated!!

(Did the honourable member mean decreased?).

[DUB19]

Any ideas why Wizz Air have got flights from BFS-VNO for over £100 next summer Could this be the end of the route?

[camperdown9]

Out of curiosity I have being doing some searches on Ezy flights out of Bfs, using a requirement for 10 pax. It is amazing how many flights come up as full. Bhx, for example, has no seats until Wednesday 2nd September. Many routes are the same. Come September, they reduce fights on many routes, using Bhx again as an example, they go back to one flight on a Monday, which actually sells out quickly. I accept they are there to make a profit, but I am starting to think that they may be controlling capacity a bit too well. They also need to encourage pax to fly, they will not do that well if flights are full due to the limited services available. I know this is a difficult situation, but big business also has to play its part to try and get s back to some degree of normality, bearing in mind Covid could be with us for a long time yet. Man is another route that has a limited service to an extent that surprises me.

I will add to that odd times as well. Edi for example has departures ex Bfs on 24th Sept at 17.00 and 17.20, then on the 27th departures at 20.25 and 20.35. I have seen this before on other routes. Why have departures so close together?

I was looking for flights from London to Belfast for a day return, on a Friday and in December. The first flight from STN wasn't until around 1500 so that was no good. BA last flight back from BHD to LHR is also very early. So I ended up with Easyjet from Gatwick. Seams to be limited choices at the moment.

I guess if you are coming from Belfast and heading to central London then it doesn't matter so much if its STN or LGW. However if you live in South London then going to STN is a pain and if you live in north east or east of London then LGW is equally as bad. Its not so much the distance its the travel time and traffic.

Alex

[easyflyer83]

The problem is, even though it is domestic there still isn’t a great amount of people travelling currently. Optimising a schedule for day visits etc is difficult under those circumstances. I don’t see that changing until things start to get back to a degree of normality. I.e people going back to work.

At the moment, the pent up demand is for leisure travel which is being trounced on by the uncertainty surrounding where we can and can’t go which changes on a weekly basis. Combine that with very weak business demand (which a lot of domestic is) and you can see the awful predicament the airlines are in at the moment.

[BFS101]

On the EasyJet thread, confirmed that a new batch of cancellations and reductions have been made for winter 20/21. Just had a very quick look, but not looking great for BFS, I guess to be expected. Appears that Marrakesh, Prague, Lyon, Salzburg all gone. Paris down to X2 week, reductions on Malaga, Alicante. Possibly more.
As I say, didn’t have a detailed look, but fairly depressing reading.
On a side note re BHD, the new Cityflyer LCY starts tomorrow. Fingers crossed for that.

[GAZMO]

FAO gone as well for the winter

[Husky One]

FAO, RAK, PRG all listed throughout winter on the App. If there are further reductions they’re not showing.
Be interesting to see how BHD-LCY progresses with Cityflyer talking of hibernating for much of the winter.

[ECR]

FAO, RAK, PRG all listed throughout winter on the App. If there are further reductions they’re not showing.
I have flights booked for PRG in January and they are still showing under My Trips in the app. If I try to book the same dates again though the app it shows No Flights, so I assume they either have been or will be cancelled.

[ESCNI]

Krakow down to two (from three) flights per week, but cancelled for nearly all of October.

Valencia gone (for good?).

[BFS101]

Apparently Virgin are also drastically reducing their 2021 program, with just 4 departures. 20th and 27th June, and 4th and 11th of July.

[ESCNI]

:*

""If these new rules come into force, Northern Ireland will be the only part of the UK that doesn't benefit from duty free for EU flights."

Irish News (http://www.irishnews.com/business/businessnews/2020/09/15/news/duty-free-changes-hammer-blow-to-north-s-airports-2067512/)

[ATNotts]

:*

""If these new rules come into force, Northern Ireland will be the only part of the UK that doesn't benefit from duty free for EU flights."

Irish News (http://www.irishnews.com/business/businessnews/2020/09/15/news/duty-free-changes-hammer-blow-to-north-s-airports-2067512/)

Duty free is not a benefit, it's a restriction. Buying locally for excise goods is normally cheaper in most of Europe. That said, once the UK is out of the EU buying locally may not be an option.

[GAZMO]

Qatar flight arriving at 13.15 Saturday
anyone know anything about this flight?

[DUB19]

Qatar flight arriving at 13.15 Saturday
anyone know anything about this flight?

Charter flight for students heading to Queens

[Alteagod]

I think they had a couple of these charters planned

[True Blue]

Has Ryanair taken Manchester off sale for this winter?

[BFS BHD]

BIA Security Building Extension | Belfast International Airport Consultation (http://www.gravisplanning.com/current/view/154/bia-security-building-extension)

[GAZMO]

from ni travel news

https://nitravelnews.com/news/easyjet-cuts-seven-destinations-from-belfast/

[True Blue]

I see Ryanair has tidied up its booking engine and several destinations have been removed ex Bfs.

[irishlad06]

Jet2 have cancelled the below routes for summer 21 from BFS,

Izmir, Corfu, Larnaca & Naples

[GAZMO]

Jet2 have cancelled the below routes for summer 21 from BFS,

Izmir, Corfu, Larnaca & Naples


They have put on flights to canaries through to Spring 2022 - 13 weekly flights

[BFS BHD]

easyJet starting a new route to Tenerife South Airport from 7th November.

EZY6763 - Departs BFS 09:00 and Arrives TFS 13:40
EZY6764 - Departs TFS 14:25 and Arrives BFS 19:00

Flights Depart Wednesdays and Saturdays

[GAZMO]

Great news from EZY.

Jet 2 also restarting Canary Island flights from 1st November
https://www.jet2.com/News/Jet2_com_and_Jet2holidays_welcomes_Canary_Islands_return_and _announces_restart_dates/

[mart901]

easyJet starting a new route to Tenerife South Airport from 7th November.

EZY6763 - Departs BFS 09:00 and Arrives TFS 13:40
EZY6764 - Departs TFS 14:25 and Arrives BFS 19:00

Flights Depart Wednesdays and Saturdays
So very pleased for this

[GAZMO]

looks like EDI LTN MAN NCL and STN flights cancelled for whole of November

[BHX5DME]

looks like EDI LTN MAN NCL and STN flights cancelled for whole of November

BHX continues which is great news

[True Blue]

Ryanair seems to have cancelled Stn from January onwards.

[Geolog]

As of today, Derry to Edinburgh and Liverpool also gone for Jan, Feb, March.

[Geolog]

Stansted flights back on sale this morning with amended, presumably post-Brexit, flight codes.

[escaped.atco]

https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/belfast-international-airport-first-tactical-19267240

An interesting tactic. Sounds like some tough decisions being made.

[Alteagod]

Freight operations probably saved its llife

[True Blue]

I see Ryanair has tidied up the app again. Not many routes left out of Bfs now.

[GAZMO]

Yes only 13 weekly flights in summer 21

[GAZMO]

Interesting arrival and departure tomorrow

Arr London Heathrow XX1 11:30
https://www.belfastairport.com/images/XX.jpgdep London Heathrow XX2 16:00

[GAZMO]

Iceland trips back for winter 21/22

https://nitravelnews.com/news/jet2-announces-once-in-a-lifetime-trips-from-belfast/

[GAZMO]

Tui have put summer 2022 on sale

https://www.belfastairport.com/blog-news/2020/november/tui-launches-summer-2022-from-belfast-international-airport

[DUB19]

Tui have put summer 2022 on sale

https://www.belfastairport.com/blog-news/2020/november/tui-launches-summer-2022-from-belfast-international-airport

I assume it hasn’t been confirmed if Sunwing will be operating these flights?