FEARS that British Airways might axe its last remaining service from Nothern Ireland have been assuaged - for the present anyway.
Travellers will certainly be the winners at least in the short term when flyBE begins its Manchester service in competition to British Airways in
January.
There will be more seats, and almost certainly lower fares, resulting from the competition between the two airlines who will both be operating from
Belfast City Airport.
FlyBE says it is out to take a substantial share of rthe market from 'sitting tenant' BA and will offer competitive fare levels.
However, there are fears that British Airways might react by withdrawing its sole remaining direct service from Northern Ireland.
The airline reacted by issuing the following statement: "We welcome competition and will continue to offer value for money fares and a full
service both on the ground and on board."
British Airways currently offers six flights per day Monday to Friday, five flights on Saturdays and four on Sundays from Belfast City Airport and
Manchester.
Travellers from Northern Ireland can also connect to more than 25 onward destinations with British Airways from Manchester Airport including New
York.