New East Midlands to Cologne service from bmi regional

A new route is to be launched between East Midlands Airport and Cologne, in Germany's Rhineland.

Beginning on February 11, 2008, bmi regional will operate a six-times weekly service, filling the gap left by easyJet when it withdrew from the route.

Embraer jets with both business and economy class will be used, and fares start at £49 one-way, including taxes and charges.

Passengers will also have the option of travelling onwards to destinations including Hamburg with bmi regional Star Alliance partner Lufthansa.

"We are delighted to be launching services between East Midlands Airport and Cologne and we expect the route to be popular with both business and leisure travellers, who will be able to fly with bmi regional and be assured of punctual services on comfortable jet aircraft with great flight schedules and low fares," said the airline's Peter Kenworthy.

Flight details
East Midlands to Cologne
Departs 10.15am, arrives 12.35pm (Monday to Friday)
Departs 11am, arrives 1.20pm (Sunday)

Cologne to East Midlands
Departs 1.05pm, arrives 1.35pm (Monday to Friday)
Departs 1.50pm, arrives 2.20pm (Sunday)

East Midlands to Hamburg connections
Departs East Midlands 10.15am, arrives Cologne 12.35 (Monday to Friday)
Departs Cologne 2.25pm, arrives Hamburg 3.20pm

Hamburg to East Midlands
Departs Hamburg 9.50am, arrives Cologne 10.45am (Monday to Friday)
Departs Cologne 1.05pm, arrives 1.35pm

© Adfero Ltd

Comments

[Fraser McDonald]

The East Midlands - Cologne route was already popular with easyjet, who were always punctual and extremely friendly, well service-oriented and all that at unbeatable fares. This takeover of the route is a major incovenience for me and my family, as at upwards of £49 one-way this cannot be described as a cheap flight and will no longer be an option for taking my wife and two children back and forth as I have been doing very happily many times with easyJet. I am sure this will prove the case with many other families who have regularly used that service. Sad news indeed, very sorry to hear about it.

[David Bondar]

As Fraser has mentioned in the previous comments, this is very bad news indeed. We have been getting to Cologne at least three times a year and use the route as a link into other areas of Europe. The massive price hike is going to mean that we will not be going to Cologne this year, which is a shame as we love the city and it's many restaurants, bars and clubs. Very disappointing indeed.

[K. Hilpert-Smith]

As mentioned by others, we are all very disappointed that Tuifly and easyJet have withdrawn this popular route from the Midlands to Cologne. With bmibaby charging on average double, I won't be able to take my children to see their German grandparents, as we have done several times a year for the past few years.

Can anybody shed any light on why both airlines have withdrawn their services?

A great shame. I keep searching the net for cheaper options from the Midlands to Cologne.