Mediaboss Marketing

Published Friday, 04 May 2012

The stopping of all bmibaby flights at the airport on 11 June is part of a move towards winding up the budget airline by September.

The announcement by International Airlines Group (IAG), BMI's new owners and a parent company of British Airways, comes just ahead of the main holiday season.

Passengers will hear next week if new airlines can be attracted to fill the domestic and international routes to Birmingham, East Midlands, London Stansted, Amsterdam, Geneva, Malaga, Alicante, Palma, Faro, Ibiza, and Menorca, which will be left vacant by the exit.

"While the London Heathrow route remains unaffected, the decision by International Airlines to withdraw bmibaby flights from George Best Belfast City Airport is disappointing news," Ms Foster said.

"Understandably, passengers already booked on a bmibaby flight will be very concerned and wondering what their rights are. I would like to reassure that if they are unable to make suitable alternative arrangements with BMI Baby, they are entitled to a full refund."

It is a worrying time for thousands of customers. It is a worrying time for staff.

Brian Ambrose, Chief Executive of Belfast City Airport

Last year, a total of 420,000 passengers - 20% of the airport's business - flew with the airline.

Ms Foster said: "This decision by IAG is also deeply disappointing for the individual workers who may face redundancy."

Read more:
Shock and questions after bmibaby move - Video