Eastern Airways is to introduce a new daily service between Southampton and Belfast International, a first link to Northern Ireland’s busiest airport from its English South Coast hub.
The Humberside Airport-based regional airline is supporting calls for more routes from the country, with flights to begin on February 9, ahead of half-term.
Eastern had previously operated a Southampton - Belfast City route, stepping in to help economic recovery and stability following the withdrawal of two carriers pre-pandemic, and grew the route until the same airlines were welcomed back again. One has since dropped away, leaving only Irish national flag carrier Aer Lingus in Belfast City.
Read more: Direct flights to Esbjerg secured for Humberside as Eastern Airways lands double delight
A connection to London within an hour from the Hampshire airport’s own railway station, with easy access to the wider county, Dorset and The New Forest all flagged, as well as what Northern Ireland has to offer for those heading the other way.
Roger Hage, commercial director at Eastern Airways, said: “This is a major step in growing connectivity from our Southampton base. A growing network and ambition of Belfast International Airport offers an opportunity to meet the burgeoning demand for connecting the two nations especially with such strong onward connectivity. This welcome addition to the domestic network at Southampton and Belfast International will aid those who travel for business, visit friends and family or seek a welcome city or leisure break.”
It is seen as complementary to existing daily Southampton - Manchester and Southampton to Dublin operations from Eastern, the only year-round operator from the airport.
Mr Hage added. “We continue to ensure the right services are being offered given Eastern Airways is all about supporting the regions of the UK, connecting people and places. Growing our English South Coast hub network and capacity to a high-demand capital city in both directions is a crucial part of increasing connectivity and aiding economic recovery to both business and the UK’s vital tourism sector where sustainable.”
It will be operating on a low-carbon emission 72-seat ATR aircraft.
Welcoming the service, Belfast International Airport’s business development director, Uel Hoey, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Eastern Airways as a new airline customer to Belfast International Airport and are particularly pleased to be able to offer a strong South Coast link to the majority of travellers in our locality who prefer to use Belfast International Airport as their conduit for both business and leisure travel.
“Eastern Airways will add a completely new string to the bow at Belfast International Airport as a long-established and successful UK regional airline, and their fleet gauge and flexibility will potentially in time open up a range of new regional destinations for the convenience of the travelling public which have hitherto been of insufficient market size to be offered by the current low cost jet operator partners at BIA.”
It is a one hour 40 minute flight, with 9.45am departure from Belfast Monday to Friday and Sunday, and 12.45pm return from Southampton. Saturday sees a 7.30am departure from Southampton, with a 9.45am return.
Matt Hazelwood, chief commercial officer of AGS Airports Ltd, which owns Southampton Airport, said: “The introduction of this first-ever daily service to Belfast International Airport from Southampton is tremendous news. Belfast is both a fantastic city break destination and the ideal base to explore Northern Ireland, so I’m sure our passengers will be keen to take full advantage of Eastern Airways’ new route when it launches in February.
“Equally, we look forward to welcoming those passengers from across the Irish Sea who are keen to visit Southampton and all the city and the wider region has to offer.”
READ NEXT:
Midlands to Cornwall flight route announced by Eastern Airways
Myenergi co-founder named Great British Entrepreneur of the Year
Box park plan to inspire Grimsby's next generation towards Net Zero
