EasyJet is deciding to risk it again at Birmingham, with the launch of a Birmingham to Belfast International Airport (Aldergrove) Service.
The service will operate daily to start with on 22nd October, and ramp up to a two flights a weekday and one flight a day on weekends service from 29th October.
Currently Birmingham to Belfast is served by BMI Baby and FlyBe, who operate to Belfast City Airport.
And that’s an important distinction. Whilst EasyJet has a base at Belfast International, for the passenger it is a fair slog to get there – the airport is about 14 miles away from Belfast City Centre (and a £7 bus ride), whilst Belfast City Airport is a smidge over 3 miles to the centre (and a much more acceptable £2 single bus ride).
Is this the first salvo in the attack of BMI Baby? Possibly. As no buyers are coming forward to touch BMI Baby after initial interest, IAG has zero interest in operating it in the long term.
I’d expect more interest in BMI Baby routes and competition to be launched sooner rather than later as the low cost carriers come sniffing for easy pickings….