BMI British Midland has postponed its launch of US services from Heathrow for a year in the belief that disruption at the airport will continue through 2008.
The carrier had intended to begin flights to the US next April following the open-skies agreement between the European Union and US concluded in the spring.
BMI is the second-biggest airline at Heathrow and had no problem obtaining slots for services, unlike most rivals. It had lobbied for the opening up of Heathrow, where access to the US has been restricted to two UK airlines – British Airways and Virgin Atlantic – for several years.
However, chairman Sir Michael Bishop said a “significant reduction” in transfer traffic at Heathrow following a year of disruption and negative headlines had forced a rethink.
The launch of US flights will be postponed until 2009 at the earliest and BMI will concentrate on developing its medium-haul network, acquired early this year through the purchase of former BA franchise carrier BMed.
BMI will commence a codeshare alliance with Star Alliance partner United Airlines and US Airways next year.