British Midland Airways

"Much of the growth in international air traffic is due to airlines increasing capacity or frequency of existing routes. But it also includes many European airlines, such as Air France and British Airways, that have been able to restart flights to Iran after long hiatuses... “Iran went from a marginalized and difficult place in the world economy in 2013 to a place of growth,” said Ray Takeyh, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations specializing on Iran." (The Washington Post, "Iran's nuclear deal divided: Skies full of planes," 11/2/2016). (https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/world/how-iran-airline-traffic-changed/)

"In retaliation for an agreement between the United States and European oil companies that has made it impossible for Iran's national airline to refuel its planes in most of Europe, the Islamic Republic has stopped fully providing the only British airline flying to Tehran with fuel. British Midlands International (BMI), which operates daily flights between London and Tehran, said Monday that Iranian airline authorities have stopped fully refueling their planes for about a week, forcing the airline to make stops in third countries. 'We are currently not getting all the fuel we need at Tehran's main airport,' said a spokeswoman for BMI." (Washington Post, "Iran stops fully refueling British planes in retaliation against oil agreement," 10/25/2010) (http://wapo.st/cKWyLj)

"Britain's bmi chief executive here Tuesday expressed the group's willingness to cooperate with Iranian airlines. Leasing airplanes to Iran comes among the topics on the agenda to start bilateral cooperation," Nigel Turner told MNA. He pointed to launch of direct round flights between Tehran and London on October 8, dismissing probable sanctions on Iran. 'Iran has a potentially lucrative market,' Turner said, concluding bmi seeks its long-term interests, closing the eyes to troubles caused by sanctions in the short run. He also announced the cancellation of British Airways flights to Iran, adding, 'Having acquired British Mediterranean Airways (BMED), an affiliate of British Airways, bmi organizes Tehran-London-Tehran flights.' 'The flights are launched from Mehrabad International Airport up to November 3 and from Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) afterward.'" (Payvand News, "British bmi keen to cooperate with Iran," 10/10/07) (http://payvand.com/news/07/oct/1095.html)

"Deutsche Lufthansa AG (LHA.XE) and its U.K.-based airline British Midland International said Wednesday it faces refueling issues after Iranian authorities said there were fuel shortages, but Iran's state-run newspaper reported it was a retaliatory move... The decision comes after some European countries last year refused to refuel Iranian aircraft. That led to Iran warning it would take action if their planes continued to be refused fuel... A spokeswoman for bmi, said: 'Due to fuel supplies being restricted by the authorities in Iran, bmi is having to reschedule its services between Tehran and London Heathrow. The new schedule will now include a stop en route for additional fuel.'She said the airline hopes that the situation "will be resolved as quickly as possible." (Dow Jones, "European Airlines Face Refueling Issues in Iran," 4/13/11) (http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110413-707119.html)

Daily flights from Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport(IKA) to London's Heathrow Airport (Company Website) (http://www.flybmi.com)

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"Foreign airlines, including Malaysia's AirAsia and Britain's BMI, are ceasing services to Iran amid its mounting economic problems spurred on by Western sanctions... BMI will halt its flights from Saturday because of its full takeover by British Airways, a spokeswoman for the parent airline told AFP in London, adding that 'customers will be offered a full refund.'" (The Daily Star, "Airlines stop Iran flights as currency crisis bites," 10/9/2012) (http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Business/Middle-East/2012/Oct-08/190609-airlines-stop-iran-flights-as-currency-crisis-bites.ashx#axzz28jD6nCzM)