bmi has reacted with caution to BA’s announcement that BA is to resume flights to Saudi Arabia after the airline had previously abandoned services to the kingdom three times, most recently in 2005.

Nigel Turner, chief executive officer of bmi said: “Our services from Heathrow to Riyadh and Jeddah have gained considerable support both in the UK and in the Kingdom. In two months’ time we will be doubling the number of flights from Heathrow to Riyadh to six services a week.

“In addition to Riyadh and Jeddah, we link Heathrow to the important Saudi oil centre of Dammam. We have every confidence that travellers who were abandoned by BA when they withdrew flights for the third time will remember that it was bmi that came to their rescue and restored their vital direct links and will continue to support the services of bmi in the future. Consumers have every right to be extremely wary and cautious as to the longevity of the return of BA to Saudi Arabia for a record fourth time, and given the current economic downturn anticipating whether they could be abandoned yet again”

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