More flights from Belfast

Belfast is set for more routes as Aer Lingus and Ryanair start flights from their new bases at Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport.

Ryanair is launching a four times a day service from George Best Belfast City (BCA) airport to Stansted on 30 October using a new Boeing 737-800. The low-cost airline will also fly twice daily from BCA to Liverpool, and daily to East Midlands and Prestwick airports.

"In the coming year 600,000 passengers will fly Ryanair to and from Belfast for less than half the price of BMI and easyJet's high fares. These visitors will generate a tourism spend of over £100 million which will sustain 600 local jobs," says Ryanair CEO, Michael O'Leary.

Aer Lingus is launching a new hub at Belfast International Airport (BFS) in December, its first base outside the Republic of Ireland. Eight routes will commence over a three month period, including three flights a day to Heathrow from 14 January.

The other new routes are Amsterdam, Barcelona and Geneva from 10 December, and Rome, Budapest, Malaga and Faro from 25 February. "The timing of our entry into the market enables us to capitalise on a strong commercial opportunity and also encourages the growing economic relationship between the north and south of the island of Ireland," comments Aer Lingus chief executive, Dermot Mannion.

Written by: Nick Purdom

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