British airline denies involvement in Shannon/Heathrow talks

British Midland Airways (bmi) has denied reports that it is involved in talks with Shannon Airport Authority to start flights to Heathrow.

The airline said there have been no formal discussions about continuing the route being axed by Aer Lingus next year.

In a statement released today, bmi said the airline is fully committed to the Irish marketplace, but has a policy of not commenting on potential route development.

At present, bmi offers eight return flights daily between London Heathrow and Belfast City Airport

However, an aviation expert, Stuart Draper from Dolmen Stockbrokers, said that they are clearly considering it.

He said bmi has had a very profitable history with its Dublin to Heathrow flights and it is the sort of competitor who would look to expanding its operations to the West of Ireland.