Jet2 to offer flights between Belfast and Gran Canaria

Budget airline Jet2 has announced it is to launch two new flights each week operating between Belfast and Gran Canaria.

News of the extra flights will be of particular interest to the country's football-supporting community who want to go and watch their team take on Spain in a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in November.

There had previously been a slight worry that there would not be enough flights to take the 3,000 football fans expected to attend the game, but the news of the extra flights will come as great relief.

Confirming the announcement of the extra flights, Belfast International Airport spokesperson Deborah Matchett, said: "The Jet2 flight will be direct from Belfast to Las Palmas. The flights will start at the end of October, or the beginning of November, and they will run Tuesday and Saturdays."

Meanwhile, Jet2's general manager Carly Brear also welcomed commented on the extra flights, she said: "With our expansion into Spain we're very keen to increase the number of destinations from the airport.

"Las Palmas is very popular, so initially we will offer a plane that seats 235 people, once a week," added Ms Brear.

The flights will start at £54.99 one-way and also have the facility to increase the number of seats if there is sufficient demand.