Business

Belfast air link to Cardiff is restored

Ellie McGimpsey, aviation development manager at Belfast City Airport, welcomes the return of flights from Belfast to Cardiff
Ellie McGimpsey, aviation development manager at Belfast City Airport, welcomes the return of flights from Belfast to Cardiff Ellie McGimpsey, aviation development manager at Belfast City Airport, welcomes the return of flights from Belfast to Cardiff

THE popular capital-to-capital air route between Belfast and Cardiff has taken flight from the George Best City Airport.

Operated by Eastern Airways, it is one of only two direct air links to Wales on the island of Ireland, with up to five flights a week.

It takes the number of destinations served from Belfast City to 26, with Eastern joining the airport's partner carriers Aer Lingus, British Airways, KLM, Loganair, Ryanair and Vueling

The airport's commercial director Katy Best said: “The return of a route to Cardiff is welcome news for those wishing to reconnect with business, family, and friends in Wales.

“Belfast City is the only airport in Ireland to provide connectivity with Wales, and we’re delighted Eastern Airways has committed to this service.

“This flight marks the beginning of a busy period for the airport, with a number of new routes taking off in the coming weeks. We’re seeing an increase in demand for travel, and it’s fantastic to offer these options to our passengers.”

Roger Hage, general manager at Eastern Airways (www.easternairways.com) added: “As the appetite and need for travel continues to recover, we are committed to providing passengers with affordable and hassle-free travel solutions.

“This is the last route to be restored at Belfast from those lost after the Flybe departure. Bookings have been very strong, which will reflect in frequency increases as we and our airport partners support economic recovery through the summer months.”