BMI to launch direct services from Heathrow to Jeddah

BMI is to commence a three-times-a-week service to Jeddah from Heathrow, beginning April 23, 2006. The airline will increase to daily its service from Heathrow to Mumbai on April 22.

The introduction of a direct link from Heathrow to Jeddah follows the successful launch in September of a three times weekly service to the Saudi Arabia capital Riyadh.

The addition of Jeddah means that BMI will be the only UK airline providing key direct links from Britain to both of the country´s administrative and commercial centers.

Mumbai services from Heathrow will increase to a daily service after a positive start to the route since its introduction in May of this year. The opportunity to increase services to India has been possible following further deregulation in the UK to India aviation market.

BMI will also start a daily service to Doha from Heathrow in the Summer of 2006. The service will tee off on March 26 and, subject to government approval, will be operated under a wet lease agreement with Qatar Airways.