easyJet is launching a new flight from Belfast International Airport to the Greek island of Rhodes.
The airline said the move will create 40 new jobs at the airport where it will base an additional Airbus A320 alongside its seven other aircraft. The route is scheduled to launch on 3 rd June 2023 and will depart twice weekly on Tuesday and Saturdays.
It adds to a growing number of routes for easyJet from both Belfast International and Belfast City airports to destinations across the UK and Europe.
“I am delighted to be announcing our plans for expansion at Belfast International Airport today,” Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said. “The addition of another aircraft will help us to deliver growth in Belfast and offer customers an even wider range of destinations, like our new route to Rhodes, which will provide our customers in Northern Ireland a direct connection to one of Europe's most popular beach destinations this summer, all with low fares and great service.”
easyJet first flew from Northern Ireland more than 27 years ago with an inaugural flight to London Luton. It is now the largest airline in the province, operating around 670 flights a week to 29 destinations.
Uel Hoey, Business Development Director at Belfast International Airport, welcomed the announcement.
“We are delighted to acknowledge easyJet’s ongoing robust commitment towards air connectivity to and from Northern Ireland with their investment of significantly higher capacity in 2023 – and particularly welcome the addition onto their Belfast network of the beautiful Greek island of Rhodes for the benefit of those forward planning their next Summer break,” he said.
