Bmibaby and Air Wales go to war

Air Wales has declared war on no-frills airline bmibaby after the latter announced it would wind up a partnership that sees the Welsh airline operate two of Bmibaby's routes.

Bmibaby currently uses Air Wales as a sub-contractor on five routes from Cardiff, to Belfast, Glasgow, Paris, Jersey and Cork.

But the budget airline is cutting Air Wales out of the loop for Belfast and Glasgow.

The low-cost airline believes it can do a better job itself and will run the flights from March.

But no-one likes being jilted at the alter and Air Wales has hit back with plans to launch its own flights from Cardiff to Belfast, according to the Western Mail, also from March next year.

The two rivals will consequently go head-to-head, with Bmibaby flying once daily to Belfast International and Air Wales planning to fly twice daily to Belfast City.

The two haven't severed ties altogether, however, with Air Wales set to continue operating Bmibaby services to Jersey, Paris and Cork.

With air travel between Cardiff and Belfast becoming increasingly popular, Air Wales will push its flights to the Northern Ireland capital to a niche business audience.

© Adfero Ltd

Comments

[Paul Hackney]

Although Air Wales' web site still shows a route from Cardiff to Belfast starting in March, the route cannot be booked on line. When contacted by phone on Monday March 13th, I was informed that Air Wales had decided not to proceed with the new route after all! Can they not at least update their web site?

[Craig McGinty]

Hi Paul

I've checked with Air Wales and they have confirmed that the service between Cardiff and Belfast will not be running this summer.

And passengers booked on the route are in the process of being contacted and will be fully refunded any monies paid.

Kind regards

Craig McGinty