Birmingham Airport has announced that bmi regional has returned to the airport with the launch of its new flight to Graz, Austria.
Graz will be bmi regional’s first destination in Austria. The new route is also the only direct flight from the UK to Graz, exclusive to bmi regional and Birmingham Airport. The launch is part of bmi regional’s growth strategy to provide connectivity between key regional business destinations in Europe.
Austria’s second largest city situated on the River Mur, Graz was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites in 1999, and its key attractions include Projekt Spielberg – Red Bull’s home of motorsports and the venue of Austria’s F1 race, MotoGP and DTM; Steirische Weinstrasse – a wine region which is also known as the Austrian Tuscany; hermenregion: a spa area home to nine thermal spas, each offering their own unique take on the healing thermal waters of the area and Golf: Graz is home to 10 courses including six 18 hole courses, one of them a championship course.
Graz is also a gateway to some of Austria’s best ski resorts, including Schladming and the Dachstein region.
The twice weekly service will operate on Mondays and Fridays initially before increasing to four times weekly from next month. Fares on the route start from £99 one way.
Jochen Schnadt, Chief Commercial Officer for bmi regional said: ‘With this new connection between Graz and Birmingham, we are continuing to pursue our strategy of developing tailor-made products for business and leisure travel. We’re optimistic that the implementation of this link between Graz and Birmingham will be a success for our customers and stakeholders alike.’
Tom Screen, Head of Aviation Development at Birmingham Airport, said: ‘We’re delighted with the launch of bmi’s Graz route today. With Birmingham being the only UK airport offering flights to Graz, we are filling a gap in the market for business and leisure travellers alike to take advantage of a city break in this vibrant destination. Furthermore we’re excited to welcome bmi regional back to Birmingham and look forward to our passengers enjoying the airline’s excellent service, efficiency and value.’
In addition to Graz, bmi regional will be launching two more routes from Birmingham Airport. The airline will commence services to Gothenburg and Nuremburg from May 2017, the airport said. All fares include complimentary in-flight drinks and snacks, 23kg of hold luggage, allocated seating and speedy 30 minute check-ins.