TEESSIDE AIRPORT NEWS - 23/02/2009

bmi cuts regional services to Heathrow

bmi will reduce its regional operations to London Heathrow Airport, resulting in the loss of flights from Durham Tees Valley and Leeds Bradford airports, it has been announced.

Peel airports director Hugh Lang has stated, however, that he is sure the group will attempt to re-build regional links between the north and London.

"I am equally sure that the business community, our local authorities and development agencies will do everything possible to support us in examining all possible options for maintaining links into London," Mr Lang commented.

He added that the impact of the recently-introduced air passenger duty and higher landing charges had contributed to the loss of these services.

The last flights are expected to leave Durham Tees Valley and Leeds Bradford on March 28th.

Peel airports is also investigating other transport links to the capital city.

Services between London Heathrow and Manchester will continue to operate.

A fifth terminal at Heathrow opened last year, increasing Heathrow's annual passenger count to 67 million.

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