bmi, British Midland International, is increasing its flights out of London Heathrow today (Thursday 22 April), with more than 90 per cent of international flights and 50 per cent of domestic flights due to operate.

bmi resumed its services out of London Heathrow yesterday morning when the BD771 departed at 0947 for Cairo. This was the first flight since the cloud of volcanic ash started to affect UK airspace a week ago. A phased reintroduction of international and domestic flights has followed throughout today, with 60 per cent of the usual number of flights operating.

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 on our website, flybmi.com, before leaving for the airport.

Customers should only travel to the airport if they have a confirmed flight booking. Customers whose flights were cancelled in the last seven days should contact bmi’s call centre to rebook their flights on 0844 8484 888 (UK) or (01) 4073036 (Ireland). Customers whose flights were cancelled are entitled to a full refund or can rebook within three weeks of original departure date, for travel within two months. Normal refund conditions apply.

In addition any customers travelling between London Heathrow and Middle East, African and Russia/CIS destinations in the next seven days can defer their flights at no extra charge to free up seats for stranded customers. Customers on these routes wishing to change their flights can rebook to the same destination, with outbound travel to commence by Friday 21 May 2010. Normal refund conditions apply.

Finally bmi, British Midland International, would like to thank all its customers for their patience over the last seven days and looks forward to welcoming them back onboard.