News

03 August 2010
Latest performance data from the CAA puts bmi Regional top again

The latest official statistics by the Civil Aviation Authority show that bmi Regional is again the most punctual, scheduled airline operating from UK airports. 

The data from www.flightontime.info, putting bmi Regional first out of 35 scheduled airlines, shows that 87.7 per cent of the airline's 3,762 flights between January and March 2010 departed on time. 

The exceptional performance by bmi Regional occurred despite the UK experiencing some of its worst ever winter weather earlier this year, which hampered the operations of many other airlines. 

bmi Regional was named the most punctual airline operating from UK airports during 2009, retaining the number one position for the fifth consecutive year.

Stewart Adams, managing director, bmi Regional, commented: 

“bmi Regional’s aim is to run a punctual and efficient operation every day of the week and these official figures prove that we consistently get it right. Our business and leisure customers need to know that their airline gets them to their destination on time and in comfort, something we intend to continue doing in the months and years ahead.”

bmi Regional offers flights from key UK airports including East Midlands, Manchester, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

15 July 2010
bmi wins Best Airline Website at the UK Travelmole Awards 2010

Leading British airline, British Midland International (bmi), has won the best airline website at the UK Travelmole Awards 2010. It is the second year running that the judges have chosen flybmi.com.
The Award Ceremony took place at the Canadian High Commission in London. Voted for by Travelmole subscribers and judged by an independent panel, flybmi.com beat off stiff competition from Flymango.co.za and Qantas.com.

Tamarah Khatib, Online General Manager, bmi, said: "The bmi web team is thrilled to have been chosen as the winner of this award for the second year running. Our website is one of the most innovative and user-friendly in the travel industry and is used by millions of passengers a year. We will continue to focus on making flybmi.com even better in the months ahead."

bmi has recently announced new routes from London Heathrow to Berlin and Vienna. bmi now flies five times daily to Berlin and twice daily to Vienna.

30 June 2010
Aegean Airlines joins Star Alliance

At a ceremony held in Athens, Aegean Airlines was accepted into the Star Alliance network as the 28th member.

Theodore Vassilakis, Chairman of Aegean Airlines said: “Joining Star Alliance is an honor and a great opportunity for Aegean. As of today our customers will enjoy recognition, loyalty benefits and end-on-end global service that Star Alliance is renowned for. At the same time, there will be a ‘star’ on the map, showing that services and access to Greece have been significantly upgraded.”

Aegean Airlines completed the integration and systems upgrade process in a short 12 months, following its acceptance as future member in May 2009.

Jaan Albrecht, CEO Star Alliance said: “AEGEAN brings a wealth of experience and an extensive domestic and international route network to the alliance family. For alliance members, Greece is an important travel market where Athens can be built into a major hub airport with growing connection traffic. It has already become an important player in the Southeast European area and we fully expect entry into Star Alliance will support its further development.”

Connecting Greece to the World
Greece is of strategic importance due to its geographic position in the eastern Mediterranean, acting as the main southeastern access point into the European Union. With AEGEAN, the Star Alliance network to/from/within Greece now covers more than 1,500 weekly flights to 69 destinations in 27 countries.

Moreover, the large Greek communities spread across more than 100 countries – such as the U.S, the U.K., Australia, Germany and Canada – now enjoy the advantages provided by an airline alliance when visiting friends and families.

Also, the business community in Greece will now be able to make use of Star Alliance Frequent Flyer benefits both on domestic flights, as well as on multiple carrier itineraries when travelling across Europe and overseas.

Greece is also an important meetings and conventions market. Hence, the inclusion of AEGEAN into both Star Alliance Convention Plus and Meetings Plus will provide for new business opportunities.

Improved Access to Greek Vacation Hotspots
Greece is undoubtedly one of the most sought after vacation destinations. Not only will AEGEAN provide seamless travel to over 17 domestic destinations, but through the inclusion of these in the Star Alliance Europe Airpass, as well as in the very popular Round-the-World fare, flights to these destinations are now available at very attractive prices.  By the same token, Frequent Flyers can redeem their miles to travel to this wide array of new destinations in the Star Alliance network.
Publicly listed Aegean Airlines began operations some 11 years ago and now operates a fleet of 30 aircraft covering a total of 54 domestic and international routes on more than 150 daily flights. Specifically, 26 routes in Greece are covered, as well as another 28 international routes. Since 2008, AEGEAN has become the largest Greek airline in terms of passengers.

About Star Alliance:
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveler.  Its acceptance by the market has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award, Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Blue1, bmi, Brussels Airlines, Continental Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, SWISS, TAM Airlines, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI, United and US Airways. Air India has been announced as a future member. Overall, the Star Alliance network offers over 21,200 daily flights to 1,172 airports in 181 countries.

About Aegean Airlines:
Aegean Airlines is the largest Greek carrier, carrying 6.6 million passengers in 2009, an increase of 10% over 2008.  After taking delivery of 22 new Airbus A320/321, the company operates a fleet of 30 aircraft.  Within its ten year scheduled services history AEGEAN has been awarded six times by the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) in recognition of its operating performance, commercial success and commitment to customer comfort and satisfaction. Additionally, AEGEAN has been repeatedly awarded by the Athens International Airport as the single largest contributor to the airport’s passenger growth. AEGEAN has also received the Skytrax World Airline award as the best regional airline in Europe for 2009. In February 2010 the shareholders of Aegean and recently privatized and re-fleeted Olympic Air entered into an agreement that, once approved by EC authorities, will eventually lead to the merging of the two companies.

20 May 2010
Volcanic ash refund/rebooking policy update

bmi is now operating all flights as normal with no airspace restrictions in place.  Customers are advised to continue to check their individual Flight Status before leaving for the airport. 

Volcanic ash disruption refund/rebooking policy:
Full refunds will be given for flights cancelled due to the volcanic ash.  Please process the refund via normal ARC procedures, quoting 'Due to Volcanic Ash'.  

For flights affected by volcanic ash on 4/5 May and 16/17 May, you may rebook your customer within two weeks of the original departure date, to travel within four weeks, subject to availability of original booking class or next lowest class within the same cabin. 

For ash disruption from 15 to 21 April, customers may be rebooked within three weeks of the original travel date, to travel within two months, subject to availability of original booking class or next lowest class within the same cabin. 

When re-booking please enter the following in the endorsement box of reissued ticket:
INVOL REROUTE BD### DDMMMYY 735D
(BD ### = BD flight number; DDMMYY = two digit day, three letter month, two digit year)

Please note: If passengers re-book for later dates then "normal refund conditions apply" to the new booking/ reissued ticket.

Partially used ticket
If your customer’s ticket is for a straight round-trip journey (A-B-A) and a partial refund is required for the inbound sector, bmi will allow a half fare paid refund, plus all unused tax elements.

If the fare paid for a straight round-tip journey is a combined fare of E and W class and a refund is required on the inbound W class sector, bmi will allow a refund of the W class fare, plus all unused tax elements.

Corporate fares / Net fares on a straight round-trip fare, bmi will allow a half fare paid refund, plus all unused tax elements. 

If you are unsure of how to calculate the refund due, you may contact bmi.  Please note, due to high volumes, there will be a delay in the refund being processed and we request your patience.
Please note: the above disruption policy applies to tickets issued on bmi (236). Tickets issued on/ validated on other airline ticket stock must adhere to the respective airlines’ policy.

For questions regarding the disruption policy, please call the agency support desk at 888.926.4776.  Direct passengers may call reservations at 800.788.0555.  

Updated; 20 May 2010

18 May 2010
bmi is now operating all flights as normal

bmi is now operating all flights as normal with no airspace restrictions in place
Customers are advised to continue check their individual Flight Status before leaving for the airport.

Disruption policy
Full refunds will be given for flights cancelled due to the volcanic ash.  Please process the refund via normal ARC procedures, quoting 'Due to Volcanic Ash'. 

For flights affected by volcanic ash you may rebook your customer within two weeks of the original departure date, to travel within four weeks, subject to availability of original booking class or next lowest class within the same cabin.

When re-booking please enter the following in the endorsement box of reissued ticket:
INVOL REROUTE BD### DDMMMYY 735D
(BD ### = BD flight number; DDMMYY = two digit day, three letter month, two digit year)

If passengers re-book for later dates then "normal refund conditions apply" to the new booking/ reissued ticket.

Part used ticket
If your customer’s ticket is for a straight round-trip journey (A-B-A) and a part refund is required for the inbound sector, bmi will allow a half fare paid refund, plus all unused tax elements.

If the fare paid for a straight round-tip journey is a combined fare of E and W class and a refund is required on the inbound W class sector, bmi will allow a refund of the W class fare, plus all unused tax elements.

Corporate fares / Net fares on a straight round-trip fare, bmi will allow a half fare paid refund, plus all unused tax elements. 

If you are unsure of how to calculate the refund due, you may contact bmi.

Please note: the above disruption policy applies to tickets issued on bmi (236). Tickets issued on/ validated on other airline ticket stock must adhere to the respective airlines’ policy.

For questions regarding the disruption policy, please call the agency support desk at 888.926.4776.  Direct passengers may call reservations at 800.788.0555.

Last updated 18 May 2010 09:00 BST

17 May 2010
bmi is now operating all flights as normal today - Monday 17 May

bmi is now operating all flights as normal today (Monday 17 May) after earlier airspace restrictions were lifted. 
Customers are advised to continue check their individual Flight Status before leaving for the airport.

Disruption policy
Full refunds will be given for flights cancelled due to the volcanic ash.  Please process the refund via normal ARC procedures, quoting 'Due to Volcanic Ash'. 

For flights affected by volcanic ash you may rebook your customer within two weeks of the original departure date, to travel within four weeks, subject to availability of original booking class or next lowest class within the same cabin.

When re-booking please enter the following in the endorsement box of reissued ticket:
INVOL REROUTE BD### DDMMMYY 735D
(BD ### = BD flight number; DDMMYY = two digit day, three letter month, two digit year)

If passengers re-book for later dates then "normal refund conditions apply" to the new booking/ reissued ticket.

Part used ticket
If your customer’s ticket is for a straight round-trip journey (A-B-A) and a part refund is required for the inbound sector, bmi will allow a half fare paid refund, plus all unused tax elements.

If the fare paid for a straight round-tip journey is a combined fare of E and W class and a refund is required on the inbound W class sector, bmi will allow a refund of the W class fare, plus all unused tax elements.

Corporate fares / Net fares on a straight round-trip fare, bmi will allow a half fare paid refund, plus all unused tax elements. 

If you are unsure of how to calculate the refund due, you may contact bmi.

Please note: the above disruption policy applies to tickets issued on bmi (236). Tickets issued on/ validated on other airline ticket stock must adhere to the respective airlines’ policy.

For questions regarding the disruption policy, please call the agency support desk at 888.926.4776.  Direct passengers may call reservations at 800.788.0555.

Last updated 17 May 2010 14:30 BST

17 May 2010
bmi plans to operate all international flights from London Heathrow on Monday 17 May

bmi plans to operate its international schedule from London Heathrow, however, the movement of the volcanic ash cloud over parts of the UK continues to cause disruption to some of our domestic schedule.

The following flights have been cancelled on Monday 17 May.

 DATE          FLT      DEP      ARR      STD      STA
16/05/10    82         LHR      BHD       7:50     9:10
16/05/10    83         BHD      LHR       8:35     10:00
16/05/10    84         LHR      BHD      10:05    11:30
16/05/10    85         BHD      LHR      11:15    12:35
16/05/10    86         LHR      BHD      12:25    13:50
16/05/10    87         BHD      LHR      12:05    13:25
16/05/10    88         LHR      BHD      14:30    15:55
16/05/10    89         BHD      LHR      14:40    15:55
16/05/10    90         LHR      BHD      16:40    18:05
16/05/10    91         BHD      LHR      16:35    17:50
16/05/10    92         LHR      BHD      18:35    19:55
16/05/10    93         BHD      LHR      18:50    20:10
16/05/10    121       LHR      DUB       5:45     7:05
16/05/10    122       DUB      LHR       7:40     9:00
16/05/10    131       LHR      DUB      17:40    19:00
16/05/10    132       DUB      LHR      19:35    20:55
16/05/10    588       LHR      MAN      10:30    11:40
16/05/10    589       MAN      LHR      12:55    14:00
16/05/10    590       LHR      MAN      15:10    16:15
16/05/10    591       MAN      LHR      16:15    17:20
16/05/10    592       LHR      MAN      19:50    20:55
16/05/10    593       MAN      LHR      17:50    18:55
16/05/10    680       LHR      ABZ       18:15    19:45
16/05/10    895       LHR      DME      21:35    1:35
17/05/10    50         LHR      EDI        6:00     7:20
17/05/10    51         EDI       LHR       5:30     7:00
17/05/10    52         LHR      EDI        7:40     9:00
17/05/10    53         EDI       LHR       7:55     9:25
17/05/10    80         LHR      BHD       5:55     7:15
17/05/10    81         BHD      LHR       5:45     7:10
17/05/10    82         LHR      BHD       7:50     9:10
17/05/10    83         BHD      LHR       7:50     9:15
17/05/10    84        LHR      BHD       9:55    11:20
17/05/10    85        BHD      LHR      11:05   12:25
17/05/10    121       LHR      DUB       5:45     7:05
17/05/10    122       DUB      LHR       7:40     9:00
17/05/10    671       ABZ       LHR       6:40     8:35
17/05/10    671       ABZ       LHR       6:40     8:35
17/05/10    672       LHR      ABZ        6:00     7:30
17/05/10    673       ABZ       LHR       9:10     10:50
17/05/10    674       LHR      ABZ        9:15     10:55
17/05/10    674       LHR      ABZ        9:15     10:55
17/05/10    896       DME      LHR       2:50     7:25
Customers are advised to continue check their individual Flight Status before leaving for the airport.

Disruption policy
Full refunds will be given for flights cancelled due to the volcanic ash.  Please process the refund via normal ARC procedures, quoting 'Due to Volcanic Ash'. 

For flights affected by volcanic ash you may rebook your customer within two weeks of the original departure date, to travel within four weeks, subject to availability of original booking class or next lowest class within the same cabin.

When re-booking please enter the following in the endorsement box of reissued ticket:
INVOL REROUTE BD### DDMMMYY 735D
(BD ### = BD flight number; DDMMYY = two digit day, three letter month, two digit year)

If passengers re-book for later dates then "normal refund conditions apply" to the new booking/ reissued ticket.

 

Part used ticket
If your customer’s ticket is for a straight round-trip journey (A-B-A) and a part refund is required for the inbound sector, bmi will allow a half fare paid refund, plus all unused tax elements.

If the fare paid for a straight round-tip journey is a combined fare of E and W class and a refund is required on the inbound W class sector, bmi will allow a refund of the W class fare, plus all unused tax elements.

Corporate fares / Net fares on a straight round-trip fare, bmi will allow a half fare paid refund, plus all unused tax elements. 

If you are unsure of how to calculate the refund due, you may contact bmi.

Please note: the above disruption policy applies to tickets issued on bmi (236). Tickets issued on/ validated on other airline ticket stock must adhere to the respective airlines’ policy.

For questions regarding the disruption policy, please call the agency support desk at 888.926.4776.  Direct passengers may call reservations at 800.788.0555.  

 

Last updated 17 May 2010 05:40 BST

13 May 2010
TAM Airlines joins Star Alliance

Alliance network enhanced with more destinations and flights across Brazil and South America
TAM Airlines, the leading Brazilian carrier, today joined the Star Alliance network, thereby putting the world’s longest serving airline alliance firmly back on the South American continent.
“Our integration into the world’s leading global commercial aviation alliance will allow us to expand our services, offering our customers a smooth and integrated travel experience. There will always be a partner airline that will treat our customers as their own anywhere across the globe,” said Líbano Barroso, CEO of TAM Airlines. “Our brand is now global, and Star Alliance now has a strong presence in South America.” 
 
TAM Airlines offers more than 40 destinations in Brazil and 10 airports across South America. Over the past years, the airline has expanded its intercontinental network to cover a variety of destinations in the USA and Europe, many of these being Star Alliance hubs. All in all, the Star Alliance network now counts 27 member carriers, offering more than 21,050 daily flights to 1,167 destinations in 181 countries.

“With TAM Airlines we gain a carrier based in South America, an important aviation market and home to many growing economies. Combining TAM Airlines’ network with that of our existing member carriers will allow Star Alliance to offer a very competitive product to, from and within this region,” said Jaan Albrecht, CEO Star Alliance.

TAM Airlines’ joining completes a process which originally began in 2006 with the first informal negotiations.

“An intense information and experience exchange process resulted from the first contact,” explained Paulo Castello Branco, Vice President, Commercial and Planning, TAM Airlines. “After the official announcement of our acceptance as a future Star Alliance member in October of 2008, we started to align our operating processes, which involved our functional team at all levels, as well as those of all of our partner carriers. This was a great learning experience and a fundamental step towards our global expansion.”

As a result, TAM Airlines has not only increased the Star Alliance network offer, but is now providing a wide range of customer benefits.

TAM’s Fidelidade customers now collect and redeem points when travelling on all other Star Alliance member carriers. By the same token, participants in the other member carriers’ Frequent Flyer Programmes (FFP) earn points every time they fly TAM Airlines and can redeem points on the TAM network. An added alliance benefit is that travel on any Star Alliance member carrier counts towards achieving status in the selected FFP. One of the Star Alliance Gold membership benefits is Lounge access; with TAM Airlines the number of designated Gold Lounges across the network has grown to over 990.

Corporate customers have long been a main target group of the Star Alliance network. Through TAM Airlines, our offer to the vast corporate market in Brazil - South America’s largest economy - has gained in value. Christopher Korenke, Star Alliance Vice President Commercial: “With TAM Airlines we now have a very comprehensive product in the local market and have expanded our reach for those needing to travel to Brazil and South America. This is an important selling point when dealing with large corporate customers in Brazil.”

Additionally, flights operated by TAM Airlines will be included in both Star Alliance Conventions Plus and Meetings Plus, enhancing the value proposition of these products. Convention and meeting organisers based in South America can use the enlarged Star Alliance network to contract their travel requirements. Furthermore, organisers based in other parts of the world can now rely on Star Alliance to provide delegate transport from many additional destinations in South America.

Leisure travellers as well will stand to benefit from TAM Airlines’ membership in Star Alliance. The popular Round the World Fare now offers numerous new travel combinations throughout Brazil and South America, as well as more flights between Brazil and Europe, and Brazil and the USA. Moreover, TAM will be selling the North America and Europe Airpasses, allowing customers to purchase “value-for-money” air travel on the Star Alliance network in these regions in combination with a long-haul ticket from Brazil.

 

Last updated 13 May 2010

11 May 2010
bmi British Midland International to add more seats and services during BA strikes

BA Executive Club members will benefit from double miles on all bmi travel until end of June

Leading UK airline, bmi British Midland International, is to add extra seats to some of its destinations during the forthcoming series of BA strikes.

The move – which will see larger aircraft placed on certain routes on bmi’s domestic and international network – is in response to growing demand as customers switch to bmi to guarantee that they will get to their destinations.

Thousands of extra seats will be added during the strike periods. The first BA strike will begin on 18th May, ending on 22nd May, with three further five-day strikes beginning on 24th May, 30th May and 5th June.

In addition, bmi is helping former BA customers by offering:

- BA Gold and Silver Executive Club members access to bmi owned lounges, including the acclaimed Great British Lounge and the newly-refurbished London Room at Heathrow Terminal 1.

- BA Executive Club members will also be offered a status match into bmi’s Diamond Club programme (e.g. gold to gold, silver to silver) and benefit from double miles on all bmi travel until the end of June.

Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, CEO of bmi British Midland International, commented:

“As a fresh series of strikes looms, bmi will continue to offer a better alternative to customers. We are increasing the number of seats available on our services so that customers can guarantee getting to their destinations when they planned to, particularly during the half-term period.”

Seats are still available on flights including London Heathrow – Aberdeen, Berlin, Cairo, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jeddah, Manchester, Moscow, Riyadh and Vienna. Prices start from £36 one way. Book now!

Last updated 13 May 2010 13:20

10 May 2010
bmi flights operating as normal

bmi is operating all flights as scheduled today, and as per current forecasts, does not foresee any cancellations in its network in the coming days.

Safety is, and continues to be, bmi's number one priority.

Last updated 10 May 2010 15:10

07 May 2010
Volcanic ash refund policy

Following the disruption caused by volcanic ash, please find below details of our refund policy:

Full refunds will be given for flights cancelled due to the volcanic ash. Please process the refund via normal ARC procedures, quoting 'Due to Volcanic Ash'.

Alternatively, for flights affected by volcanic ash on 4 & 5 May, you may rebook your customer within two weeks of the original departure date, for travel within four weeks, subject to availability of original booking class or next lowest class within the same cabin.

When re-booking please enter the following in the endorsement box of reissued ticket:
INVOL REROUTE BD### DDMMMYY 735D
(BD ### = BD flight number; DDMMYY = two digit day, three letter month, two digit year)

If passengers re-book for later dates then "normal refund conditions apply" to the new booking/ reissued ticket.

Please note: the above disruption policy applies to tickets issued on bmi (236). Tickets issued on/ validated on other airline ticket stock must adhere to the respective airlines’ policy.

Partially used ticket(s) 
If your customer’s ticket is for a straight round-trip journey (A-B-A) and a part refund is required for the inbound sector, bmi will allow a half fare paid refund, plus all unused tax elements.

If the fare paid for a straight round-tip journey is a combined fare of E and W class and a refund is required on the inbound W class sector, bmi will allow a refund of the W class fare, plus all unused tax elements.

Corporate fares / Net fares on a straight round-trip fare, bmi will allow a half fare paid refund, plus all unused tax elements.

If you are unsure of how to calculate the refund due, you may contact bmi. Please note due to high volumes, there will be a delay in the refund being processed and we request your patience.

Please note: the above disruption policy applies to tickets issued on bmi (236).  Tickets issued on/ validated on other airline ticket stock must adhere to the respective airlines’ policy.

For questions regarding the disruption policy, please call the agency support desk at 888.926.4776.  Direct passengers may call reservations at 800.788.0555.  
Updated: 07 May 2010

06 May 2010
bmi flights return to normal – updated: 07:30BST 6 May 2010

All flights operated by bmi, British Midland International, to and from London Heathrow have returned to normal today, Thursday, 6 May 2010, after the cloud of volcanic ash moved away from UK airspace. In addition all bmi Regional flights are operating as normal. However, we strongly suggest that all bmi customers check their individual flight status for up to date flight information prior to travelling to the airport.

Full refunds will be given for flights cancelled due to the volcanic ash. Please process the refund via normal ARC procedures, quoting 'Due to Volcanic Ash'.

Alternatively, for flights affected by volcanic ash on 4 & 5 May, you may rebook your customer within two weeks of the original departure date, for travel within four weeks, subject to availability of original booking class or next lowest class within the same cabin.

When re-booking please enter the following in the endorsement box of reissued ticket:
INVOL REROUTE BD### DDMMMYY 735D
(BD ### = BD flight number; DDMMYY = two digit day, three letter month, two digit year)

Please note: the above disruption policy applies to tickets issued on bmi (236). Tickets issued on/ validated on other airline ticket stock must adhere to the respective airlines’ policy.

For questions regarding the disruption policy, please call the agency support desk at 888.926.4776. Direct passengers may call reservations at 800.788.0555.

05 May 2010
Some bmi flights to and from Scotland and Ireland have been cancelled

Due to the movement of volcanic ash, flights to Scotland and Ireland have been disrupted. All flights at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports are suspended until at least 1900 BST. Flights at Belfast City and Dublin are suspended for the rest of Wednesday, May 05, 2010. The situation is very dynamic and further updates will be made when known. Please ensure your customers check their flight's status prior to leaving for the airport.

The following flights are confirmed as cancelled for Wednesday, May 05, 2010:
BD87 BHD-LHR
BD0123 LHR-DUB
BD0124 DUB-LHR
BD129 LHR-DUB
BD130 DUB-LHR
BD131 LHR-DUB
BD132 LHR-DUB
BD0016 LHR-GLA
BD0003 GLA-LHR
BD1292 GLA-LBA
BD1291 LBA-GLA
BD1683 GLA-CPH
BD1682 CPH-GLA
BD1589 EDI-MAN
BD1594 MAN-EDI
BD1592 EDI-MAN
BD1591 MAN-EDI
BD1298 GLA-LBA
BD1297 LBA-GLA
BD6 LHR-GLA
BD9 GLA-LHR
BD8 LHR-GLA
BD11 GLA-LHR
BD7 EDI-LHR
BD56 LHR-EDI
BD57 EDI-LHR
BD60 LHR-EDI
BD58 LHR-EDI
BD61 EDI-LHR
BD86 LHR-BHD
BD89 BHD-LHR
BD90 LHR-BHD
BD93 BHD-LHR
BD87 BHD-LHR
BD88 LHR-BHD
BD91 BHD-LHR
BD92 LHR-BHD

Full refunds will be given for flights cancelled due to the volcanic ash. Please process the refund via normal ARC procedures, quoting 'Due to Volcanic Ash'.

Alternatively, for flights affected by volcanic ash on 4 & 5 May, you may rebook your customer within two weeks of the original departure date, for travel within four weeks, subject to availability of original booking class or next lowest class within the same cabin.

When re-booking please enter the following in the endorsement box of reissued ticket:
INVOL REROUTE BD### DDMMMYY 735D
(BD ### = BD flight number; DDMMYY = two digit day, three letter month, two digit year)

Please note: the above disruption policy applies to tickets issued on bmi (236). Tickets issued on/ validated on other airline ticket stock must adhere to the respective airlines’ policy.

For questions regarding the disruption policy, please call the agency support desk at 888.926.4776. Direct passengers may call reservations at 800.788.0555.

04 May 2010
Irish airspace reopens

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) lifted flight restrictions imposed late yesterday due to drifting volcanic ash.  All airports resumed normal operations at 1pm local time today.

Updated 04 May 2010 1550 BST

03 May 2010
Volcanic Ash Update: Last updated 3 May 2010 22:15 BST

Current information from the Volcanic Ash Advice Centre (VAAC) suggests that a 'no fly zone' will have to be imposed over Ireland tomorrow that will affect Dublin.

No flights will operate in or out of these airports until at least 1300hrs local tomorrow.

The following flights are cancelled:
BD121 LHR-DUB
BD122 DUB-LHR

03 May 2010
Volcanic ash refund policy

Following the disruption caused by volcanic ash, please find below details of our refund policy:

Full refunds will be given for flights cancelled due to the volcanic ash.  Please process the refund via normal ARC procedures, quoting 'Due to Volcanic Ash'.  If your customers decide to re-book for later dates than stated above, then Normal refund conditions apply to the new booking.

Alternatively, you may rebook your customer within three weeks, to travel within two months, subject to availability of original booking class or next lowest class within the same cabin.  When re-booking please enter the following in the endorsement box of reissued ticket:

INVOL REROUTE BD### DDMMMYY 735D
(BD ### = BD flight number; DDMMYY = two digit day, three letter month, two digit year)

Partially used ticket(s)
If your customer’s ticket is for a straight round-trip journey (A-B-A) and a part refund is required for the inbound sector, bmi will allow a half fare paid refund, plus all unused tax elements.

If the fare paid for a straight round-tip journey is a combined fare of E and W class and a refund is required on the inbound W class sector, bmi will allow a refund of the W class fare, plus all unused tax elements.

Corporate fares / Net fares on a straight round-trip fare, bmi will allow a half fare paid refund, plus all unused tax elements. 

If you are unsure of how to calculate the refund due, you may contact bmi. Please note due to high volumes, there will be a delay in the refund being processed and we request your patience.

Please note: the above disruption policy applies to tickets issued on bmi (236).  Tickets issued on/ validated on other airline ticket stock must adhere to the respective airlines’ policy. 
For questions regarding the disruption policy, please call the agency support desk at 888.926.4776.  Direct passengers may call reservations at 800.788.0555. 

Updated: 03 May 2010

23 April 2010

bmi continues to return to a normal flight schedule. Last updated 23 Apr 2010 11:00 BST

bmi is continuing to return to a normal flying schedule following the reopening of UK airspace by the aviation authorities.  Additional services are being added for stranded customers where possible.

Schedules over the next few days may be subject to change and some cancellations where necessary. Customers are advised to continue check their individual Flight Status before leaving for the airport.

Please keep checking individual flight status as operations are still subject to change.

Schedule changes for Friday 23 April:

Extra flights
BD775 LHR-RUH/JED
BD774 JED/RUH-LHR
BD765 LHR-CAI
BD766 CAI-LHR
BD933 LHR-IKA
BD69 EDI-LHR

Re routed flights
BD965 LHR-EVN/TBS
BD929 LHR-GYD 

Cancelled flights
BD59 EDI-LHR
BD594 LHR-MAN 

Saturday 24 April

Extra flights
BD775 LHR-RUH/JED Flight re-routed via JED
BD774 JED/RUH-LHR Flight re-routed via JED
BD967 LHR-FNA
BD968 FNA-LHR
BD769 LHR-JED 

Rerouted flights
BD966 TBS/EVN-LHR
BD928 GYD-LHR

Cancelled flights
BD59 EDI-LHR
BD577 MAN-LHR
BD582 LHR-MAN 
BD585 MAN-LHR

Updated disruption policy:
Due to the ongoing volcanic ash crisis, we have amended our re-booking policy on our midhaul network.

Midhaul re-booking policy:
Customers holding confirmed bookings on bmi operated midhaul flights (excludes codeshare flights) up until the 28 April, are permitted to re-book their flights to the same destination with travel to commence by Friday 21 May 2010.  If the same booking class is not available, the next lowest class may be booked within the same cabin, free of charge.  No refunds are allowed, unless fare rules permit.

Rebooking: please enter the following in the endorsement box of reissued ticket:
INVOL REROUTE BD### DDMMMYY 735D
(BD ### = BD flight number; DDMMYY = two digit day, three letter month, two digit year)

Shorthaul re-booking policy:
For shorthaul domestic and western European flights, the policy remains as follows:

If your customer has been affected by a cancelled flight, a full refund will be given.  Please process the refund via your GDS quoting 'Due to Volcanic Ash'.  Alternatively, you can rebook your customer within three weeks, to travel within two months, subject to availability of original booking class or next lowest class within the same cabin.  Normal refund conditions apply.

Refunds: please process refunds via normal procedures.  You should reference reason as:  'Due to Volcanic Ash'. 

Rebooking: please enter the following in the endorsement box of reissued ticket:
INVOL REROUTE BD### DDMMMYY 735D
(BD ### = BD flight number; DDMMYY = two digit day, three letter month, two digit year)

For questions regarding the disruption policy, please call the agency support desk at 888.926.4776. For passengers holding non-agency bookings, they can contact bmi reservations at 800.780.0555 to rebook their flights.

Please note: we have been experiencing a tremendous increase in our call volume. Should you not be able to get through please try again.  We appreciate your patience.

Safety is and continues to be bmi’s number one priority. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our mutual customers.

Please note: the above disruption policy applies to tickets issued on bmi (236).  Tickets issued on/ validated on other airline ticket stock must adhere to the respective airlines policy.  You may enter the following for either your refund or reissue of a bmi ticket:

Last updated 23 Apr 2010 11:00 BST

22 April 2010
bmi is operating flights on Thursday 22 April. Last updated 22 Apr 2010 08:00 BST

bmi is increasing its flights out of London Heathrow on Thursday 22 April, with more than 90 per cent of international flights and 50 per cent of domestic flights due to operate following the reopening of UK airspace by the aviation authorities.

Safety is, and continues to be, bmi's number one priority and the planned schedule for Thursday 22 April may be subject to change throughout the day so customers are advised to check their individual flight status before leaving for the airport.

bmi plans to operate flights as close to its normal schedule as possible, however not all flights will be operating on a normal schedule. Customers are again advised to check their individual Flight Status before leaving for the airport.

Please keep checking individual flight status as operations are continually changing.

Schedule changes for Thursday 22 April:

Additional flights
BD941 LHR-DAM/BEY
BD942 DAM-LHR
BD967 LHR-FNA 
BD968 FNA-LHR
BD919 LHR-AMM
BD920 AMM-LHR

Cancelled flights
BD1321 ABZ-BHX
BD671 ABZ-LHR
BD673 ABZ-LHR
BD1366 ABZ-MAN
BD1368 ABZ-MAN
BD1310 ABZ-NWI
BD1322 BHX-ABZ
BD1628 BRU-EDI
BD59 EDI/LHR
BD1627 EDI-BRU
BD1404 EDI-LBA
BD1582 EDI-MAN
BD1586 EDI-MAN
BD1292 GLA-LBA
BD1403 LBA-EDI
BD1291 LBA-GLA
BD54 LHR/EDI
BD590 LHR/MAN
BD594 LHR/MAN
BD674 LHR-ABZ
BD672 LHR-ABZ
BD593 MAN/LHR
BD1369 MAN-ABZ
BD1367 MAN-ABZ
BD1583 MAN-EDI
BD1581 MAN-EDI
BD1311 NWI-ABZ

Updated disruption policy:
Due to the ongoing volcanic ash crisis, we have amended our re-booking policy on our midhaul network.

Midhaul re-booking policy:
Customers holding confirmed bookings on bmi operated midhaul flights (excludes codeshare flights) during the next seven days are permitted to re-book their flights to the same destination with travel to commence by Friday 21 May 2010.  If the same booking class is not available, the next lowest class may be booked within the same cabin, free of charge.  No refunds are allowed, unless fare rules permit.

Shorthaul re-booking policy:
For shorthaul domestic and western European flights, the policy remains as follows:

If your customer has been affected by a cancelled flight, a full refund will be given.  Alternatively, you can rebook your customer within three weeks, to travel within two months, subject to availability of original booking class or next lowest class within the same cabin. 
Refunds: please process refunds via normal procedures.  You should reference reason as:  'Due to Volcanic Ash'. 

Rebooking: please enter the following in the endorsement box of reissued ticket:
INVOL REROUTE BD### DDMMMYY 735D
(BD ### = BD flight number; DDMMYY = two digit day, three letter month, two digit year)

For questions regarding the disruption policy, please call the agency support desk at 888.926.4776 or reservations at 800.788.0555. 

Please note: we have been experiencing a tremendous increase in our call volume. Should you not be able to get through please try again.  We appreciate your patience.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our mutual customers.

Last updated 22 Apr 2010 08:00 BST

21 April 2010
bmi resumes some flights on Wednesday 21 April. Last updated 21 Apr 2010 10:30 BST

The volcanic eruption in Iceland continues to cause disruption to flights, however, bmi is planning to operate some services from 09:15 BST Wednesday 21 April. 

Customers are advised to only travel to the airport if they have a confirmed flight booking. Please visit the Flight Status page for travel updates and individual flight status.

The following flights will be operating on Wednesday 21 April:

21/04/10          7                      GLA      LHR                     
21/04/10          10                     LHR      GLA                     
21/04/10          13                     GLA      LHR                     
21/04/10          14                     LHR      GLA                      
21/04/10          57                     EDI       LHR                      
21/04/10          58                     LHR      EDI                       
21/04/10          60                     LHR      EDI                       
21/04/10          61                     EDI       LHR                      
21/04/10          62                     LHR      EDI                       
21/04/10          63                     EDI       LHR                      
21/04/10          64                     LHR      EDI                       
21/04/10          65                     EDI       LHR                     
21/04/10          85                     BHD      LHR                      
21/04/10          86                     LHR      BHD                      
21/04/10          88                     LHR      BHD                      
21/04/10          89                     BHD      LHR                      
21/04/10          90                     LHR      BHD                      
21/04/10          91                     BHD      LHR                     
21/04/10          92                     LHR      BHD                      
21/04/10          93                     BHD      LHR                      
21/04/10          129                   LHR      DUB                      
21/04/10          130                   DUB      LHR                      
21/04/10          131                   LHR      DUB                      
21/04/10          132                   DUB      LHR                     
21/04/10          427                   LHR      VIE           
21/04/10          428                   VIE        LHR                     
21/04/10          589                   MAN      LHR                     
21/04/10          590                   LHR      MAN                     
21/04/10          592                   LHR      MAN                     
21/04/10          593                   MAN      LHR                     
21/04/10          771                   LHR      CAI                       
21/04/10          772                   CAI       LHR                     
21/04/10          776                   JED       RUH                    
21/04/10          776                   RUH      LHR         
21/04/10          778                   CAI       LHR     (Additional Service)
21/04/10          844                   TXL       LHR                    
21/04/10          845                   LHR      TXL                    
21/04/10          846                   TXL       LHR                    
21/04/10          847                   LHR      TXL                     
21/04/10          848                   TXL       LHR                    
21/04/10          849                   LHR      TXL                    
21/04/10          891                   LHR      DME                      
21/04/10          894                   DME      LHR                    
21/04/10          895                   LHR      DME                    
21/04/10          906                   BEY       LHR        
21/04/10          907                   LHR      BEY         
21/04/10          913                   LHR      AMM                    
21/04/10          913                   AMM     ADD                     
21/04/10          928                   GYD      LHR         
21/04/10          929                   LHR      GYD                     
21/04/10          929                   GYD      TBS                     
21/04/10          931                   LHR      IKA                     
21/04/10          949                   LHR      DAM                    
21/04/10          965                   LHR      EVN       
21/04/10          966                   EVN       LHR       
21/04/10          967                   LHR      FNA                   
21/04/10          968                   FNA      LHR                    
21/04/10          668                   LHR      ABZ       
21/04/10          669                   ABZ       LHR       
21/04/10          675                   ABZ       LHR      
21/04/10          676                   LHR      ABZ        
21/04/10          677                   ABZ       LHR      
21/04/10          678                   LHR      ABZ        
21/04/10          679                   ABZ       LHR      
21/04/10          680                   LHR      ABZ       
21/04/10          817                   LHR      HAJ        
21/04/10          818                   HAJ      LHR       
21/04/10          819                   LHR      HAJ       
21/04/10          820                   HAJ      LHR


bmi Regional services operating 21 April:

ABZ-BHX  BD1325
BHX-ABZ BD1326
ABZ-MAN BD1378
MAN-ABZ BD1381
EDI-MAN BD1592
MAN-EDI BD1591
EDI-LBA BD1410
LBA-EDI BD1409
EDI-BRU BD1631
ABZ-EBJ BD1363
ABZ-MAN BD1380,1368,1376
ABZ-NWI BD1316
BRU-EDI BD1632
BRU-EMA BD1236,1238
BRU-LBA BD1624,1616
CPH-EDI BD1604,1606
EBJ-ABZ BD1364
EDI-CPH BD1603,1605
EDI-MAN BD1584,1596
EMA-BRU BD1235,1237
GLA-LBA BD1297
LBA-BRU BD1613,1615
LBA-GLA BD1298
MAN-ABZ BD1379,1375
MAN-EDI BD1589,1595
NWI-ABZ BD1317 

Updated disruption policy:
Due to the ongoing volcanic ash crisis, we have amended our re-booking policy on our midhaul network.

Midhaul re-booking policy:
Customers holding confirmed bookings on bmi operated midhaul flights (excludes codeshare flights) during the next seven days are permitted to re-book their flights to the same destination with travel to commence by Friday 21 May 2010.  If the same booking class is not available, the next lowest class may be booked within the same cabin, free of charge.  No refunds are allowed, unless fare rules permit.

Shorthaul re-booking policy:
For shorthaul domestic and western European flights, the policy remains as follows:

If your customer has been affected by a cancelled flight, a full refund will be given.  Alternatively, you can rebook your customer within three weeks, to travel within two months, subject to availability of original booking class or next lowest class within the same cabin.  Normal refund conditions apply and agents should process any refunds via normal ARC refund procedures.

Please note: the above disruption policy applies to tickets issued on bmi (236).  Tickets issued on/ validated on other airline ticket stock must adhere to the respective airlines policy.  You may enter the following for either your refund or reissue of a bmi ticket:

INVOL REROUTE BD### DDMMMYY 735D
(BD ### = BD flight number; DDMMYY = two digit day, three letter month, two digit year)

For questions regarding the disruption policy, please call the agency support desk at 888.926.4776 or reservations at 800.788.0555.

20 April 2010 - Update at 1700BST
bmi to resume flights on Wednesday 21 April

bmi plans to resume flights from London Heathrow at 1200 BST on Wednesday 21 April.

A limited schedule of flights will also be operated from regional UK airports. Passengers are advised to visit www.flybmi.com for travel updates and individual flight status.

Safety is bmi's number one priority and the decision to cancel flights is based on continuing advice from the UK Met Office and NATS (air traffic control), who are tracking a cloud of ash which is moving through UK airspace and affecting all airlines.

Our rebooking/refund policy is still in effect.  If your client’s flight is cancelled they are entitled to a full refund. Normal refund conditions apply and agents should process any refunds via normal ARC refund procedures. If your clients would still like to travel, they may rebook within the next three weeks for travel within the next two months.  All re-bookings are subject to availability, and should be rebooked in the original booking class or next lowest class within the same cabin. Normal refund conditions apply.

Please note: the above disruption policy applies to tickets issued on bmi (236).  Tickets issued on/ validated on other airline ticket stock must adhere to the respective airlines policy.  You may enter the following for either your refund or reissue of a bmi ticket:

INVOL REROUTE BD### DDMMMYY 735D
(BD ### = BD flight number; DDMMYY = two digit day, three letter month, two digit year)

For questions regarding the disruption policy, please call the agency support desk at 888.926.4776 or Reservations at 800.788.0555.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our mutual clients.

20 April 2010
bmi cancels all flights to and from UK airports on 20 April. Last updated 20 Apr 2010 15:00 BST

The volcanic eruption in Iceland continues to cause disruption to flights.  Safety is bmi's number one priority and the decision to cancel flights is based on continuing advice from the UK Met Office and NATS (National Air Traffic Services).

Further to our earlier update, we had hoped to operate some services from London Heathrow today; however, unfortunately all flights for the remainder of the day, 20 April, are cancelled following advice from the CAA.

All flights from UK regional airports are cancelled for Tuesday 20 April.  Further updates for 21 April will be made when available. 

bmi plans to operate services from London Heathrow from midday on 21 April and, again, further updates will be made when available.

Please continue to check this page on a regular basis for more details and further updates as and when operational updates are confirmed.  Please ensure your customers check their flight’s status at flybmi.com prior to leaving for the airport.

If your client’s flight is cancelled they are entitled to a full refund. Normal refund conditions apply and agents should process any refunds via normal ARC refund procedures. If your clients who still like to travel they may rebook within the next three weeks for travel within the next two months.  All re-bookings are subject to availability, and should be rebooked in the original booking class or next lowest class within the same cabin. Normal refund conditions apply.

Please note: the above disruption policy applies to tickets issued on bmi (236).  Tickets issued on/ validated on other airline ticket stock must adhere to the respective airlines policy.

For questions regarding the disruption policy, please call the agency support desk at 888.926.4776 or Reservations at 800.788.0555.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our mutual clients. 

19 April 2010
bmi plans to resume some UK domestic flights from London Heathrow at 19:00 BST 20 April, and from UK domestic airports from 13:00 BST 20 April.

The volcanic eruption in Iceland continues to cause disruption to flights, with bmi services arriving and departing London Heathrow cancelled until 19:00 BST Tuesday 20 April (with the exception of LHR-FNA BD967 and LHR-BEY BD907 which will operate but are subject to delays) and flights from UK domestic airports cancelled until 13:00 BST Tuesday 20 April.

bmi plans to resume UK domestic flights from London Heathrow at 19:00 BST 20 April.

bmi plans to resume flights from UK domestic airports from 13:00 BST 20 April.

The following flights are planned to operate:

BD 1592 EDI-MAN
BD 1591 MAN-EDI
BD 1410 EDI-LBA
BD 1409 LBA-EDI
BD 1325 ABZ-BHX
BD 1326 BHX-ABZ
BD 1378 ABZ-MAN
BD 1381 MAN-ABZ
BD 1375 MAN-ABZ
BD 1376 ABX-MAN
BD 1595 MAN-EDI
BD 1596 EDI-MAN
BD 1298 GLA-LBA
BD 1287 LBA-GLA
BD 1316 ABZ-NWI
BD 1317 NWI-ABZ
BD 1589 MAN-EDI
BD 1594 EDI-MAN
BD 1379 MAN-ABZ
BD 1380 ABZ-MAN

Customers are advised to visit the Flight Status page for travel updates and individual flight status.

Safety is bmi's number one priority and the decision to cancel flights is based on continuing advice from the UK Met Office and NATS (air traffic control), who are tracking a cloud of ash which is moving through UK airspace and affecting all airlines. For further details of which flights have been cancelled please visit the Flight Status page.

If your client’s flight is cancelled they are entitled to a full refund. Normal refund conditions apply and agents should process any refunds via normal ARC refund procedures. If your clients who still like to travel they may rebook within the next two weeks for travel within the next four weeks. All re-bookings are subject to availability, and should be rebooked in the original booking class or next lowest class within the same cabin. Normal refund conditions apply.

Please note: the above disruption policy applies to tickets issued on bmi (236). Tickets issued on/ validated on other airline ticket stock must adhere to the respective airlines policy.

For questions regarding the disruption policy, please call the agency support desk at 888.926.4776 or Reservations at 800.788.0555.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our mutual clients.

19 April 2010
bmi cancels all flights until Tuesday 13:00 BST 20 April due to volcanic ash

The volcanic eruption in Iceland continues to cause disruption to flights, with bmi services arriving and departing London Heathrow and regional UK airports cancelled until 13:00 BST Tuesday 20 April 2010

Exception: BEY-KRT BD997, DAM-BEY BD9671 and KRT-BEY BD996 which will operate Monday 19 April.

bmi will assess the resumption of flight operations throughout the day.
Passengers are advised to visit the Flight status at flybmi.com for information regarding individual flight status.

Safety is bmi's number one priority and the decision to cancel flights is based on continuing advice from the UK Met Office and NATS (air traffic control), who are tracking a cloud of ash which is moving through UK airspace and affecting all airlines.

If your client’s flight is cancelled they are entitled to a full refund. Normal refund conditions apply and agents should process any refunds via normal ARC refund procedures. If your clients who still like to travel they may rebook within the next two weeks for travel within the next four weeks. All re-bookings are subject to availability, and should be rebooked in the original booking class or next lowest class within the same cabin. Normal refund conditions apply.

Please note: the above disruption policy applies to tickets issued on bmi (236). Tickets issued on/ validated on other airline ticket stock must adhere to the respective airlines policy.

For questions regarding the disruption policy, please call the agency support desk at 888.926.4776 or Reservations at 800.788.0555.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our mutual clients.

17 April 2010
bmi cancels all flights on Saturday 17 April and some on 18 April due to volcanic ash

The volcanic eruption in Iceland continues to cause disruption to flights, with all bmi services on Saturday 17 April 2010 and some on Sunday 18 April cancelled. The airline will assess the resumption of flight operations throughout the day.

Cancelled services: Sunday 18 April 2010
BD51 EDI-LHR
BD771 LHR-CAI
BD775 LHR-RUH
BD775 RUH-JED
BD896 DME-LHR
BD906 BEY-LHR
BD914 ADD-AMM
BD914 AMM-LHR
BD928 TBS-LHR
BD932 IKA-LHR
BD992 ALA-LHR

Safety is bmi's number one priority and the decision to cancel flights is based on continuing advice from the UK Met Office and NATS (air traffic control), who are tracking a cloud of ash which is moving through UK airspace and affecting all airlines. For further details of which flights have been cancelled please visit the flight status page on flybmi.com.

If your client’s flight is cancelled they are entitled to a full refund, if the ticket was issued on bmi (236). Otherwise they may choose to rebook within two weeks for travel within four weeks. Normal refund conditions apply. For questions regarding the disruption policy, please call the agency support desk at 888.926.4776 or Reservations at 800.788.0555.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our mutual clients.

16 April 2010
bmi cancels all flights on Friday 16 April due to volcanic ash

The volcanic eruption in Iceland continues to cause disruption to flights, with all bmi services on Friday 16 April 2010 cancelled. The airline will assess the resumption of flight operations throughout the day.

Safety is bmi’s number one priority and the decision to cancel flights is based on continuing advice from the UK Met Office and NATS (air traffic control), who are tracking a cloud of ash which is moving through UK airspace and affecting all airlines. For details of which flights have been cancelled please visit the flight status page.

Updated rebooking policy:

If your customer has been affected by a cancelled flight, a full refund will be given.

Alternatively, you can rebook your customer within two weeks, to travel within four weeks, subject to availability of original booking class or next lowest class in the same cabin. Normal refund conditions apply.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause your clients. If you have any questions regarding the rebooking policy, please contact the travel agent support desk at 1.888.926.4776 or info.flybmi@us-sales.com.

15 April 2010
bmi cancels more flights on Friday 16 April due to volcanic ash

The volcanic eruption in Iceland continues to cause disruption to flights, with all bmi services up until 1200hrs on Friday 16 April 2010 cancelled. The airline will assess the resumption of flight operations for the rest of the day on Friday morning.

All Domestic and European flights from London Heathrow will be cancelled until Friday 16 April 15:00. For all Midhaul and Domestic European flights after 15:00 a decision will be made at 07:30.

Safety is bmi’s number one priority and the decision to cancel flights is based on continuing advice from the UK Met Office and NATS (air traffic control), who are tracking a cloud of ash which is moving through UK airspace and affecting all airlines. For details of which flights have been cancelled please visit the flight status page.

If your flight is cancelled you’re entitled to a full refund. If you choose to rebook you can do so within two weeks for travel within four weeks. Normal refund conditions apply. To apply for your refund or to rebook, please call 0844 8484 888 (UK). 

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this will cause our customers.

19 January 2010
bmi re-launches new shorthaul Economy product

Starting 27 January 2010, we are re-launching our shorthaul product, offering an enhanced Economy service operating on a single cabin aircraft for customers on our shorthaul network flying to and from London Heathrow: Amsterdam*, Aberdeen, Belfast City, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hanover and Manchester.

Customers traveling on Flexible Economy fares (C, Y) will benefit from no change fees, use of business lounges at both ends of the route, guaranteed seating at the front of the aircraft and complimentary food and drink onboard.

The new inflight offering will include locally sourced, fresh British produce including healthy roast British beef and horseradish sandwiches or West Country cheese and pickle sandwiches throughout the day as well as a full bar and a hot breakfast panini in the morning. Flexible Economy customers will also benefit from lower rate Air Passenger Duty (APD). As a result of the changes, bmi will no longer offer a separate Business Class cabin on UK and Ireland routes from Heathrow (Belfast City, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Glasgow).

Customers travelling on Economy tickets will continue to enjoy bmi full service benefits such as free checked baggage to a total weight of 20kg, online check-in and access to bmi's business lounges for Gold and Silver Diamond Club members. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase on board.

The new product will be rolled out on 27 January 2010 and is available to book as of 18 January 2010.

View an overview of the upcoming changes to our shorthaul product

*Amsterdam operates until 27 March 2010.

16 March 2010
bmi begins new service between London Heathrow and Berlin

bmi is pleased to announce the launch of our new route between London Heathrow and Berlin Tegel, beginning 28 March 2010.  
   
Berlin, Germany's capital and largest city is a major centre of business, politics, science, media for the business traveler.  Plus, there are numerous cultural attractions for the leisure traveler including an exciting nightlife, excellent museums and exhibits, the iconic sights of the Brandenburg Gate and the path of the former Berlin Wall to name a few.
      
The four daily frequencies will offer the choice of a two cabin service operated on an Airbus 319 aircraft.  Please see details of our service and schedule below.

Business Class:

• 2:2 seating configuration, 32 inches seat pitch
• 30kg free hold baggage allowance
• Two pieces of cabin baggage, plus one personal item
• Complimentary continental and hot breakfast served until
• 0930 with a hot meal offered for the rest of the day
• Access to The Great British Lounge at London Heathrow and Lufthansa Business Lounge at Berlin  

Economy:

• 3:3 seating configuration, 32 inches seat pitch
• 20kg free hold baggage allowance
• One piece of cabin baggage, plus one personal item

Complimentary hot breakfast panini served until 0930 with a sandwich and drink from the bar for the rest of the day.

Schedule:

For questions you may contact the travel agent desk at 1.888.926.4776

19 January 2010
New route - London Heathrow to Vienna

bmi will launch a new route between London Heathrow and Vienna beginning 28 March 2010 and available to book via your GDS as of 18 January 2010.  The route will be operated using an Airbus A320 aircraft in conjunction with Austrian Airlines, also part of Star Alliance, offering a total five flights a day between LHR – VIE bmi’s service will be consistent with that already offered by Austrian Airlines which will include a two cabin service offering Business Class and Economy, more details will be advised soon.

Our new service between London and Vienna will offer great schedule flexibility at competitive prices. Your customers travelling with bmi will have the opportunity to discover the business opportunities and cultural attractions the city of Vienna has to offer plus the benefit of onward connections to Central and Eastern Europe through Austrian Airlines' Vienna hub.

bmi daily LHR-VIE schedule starting 28 March 2010

For questions you may contact the travel agent desk at 1.888.926.4776