Leicester Mercury

Belfast back on destinatio­ns list at East Midlands Airport

- By TOM PEGDEN tom.pegden@reachplc.com @tompegden

FLYBE has launched a new daily service between East Midlands Airport and Belfast City Airport.

It comes three months after the UK airline launched a new service between East Midlands and Schiphol Internatio­nal Airport in Amsterdam.

The operator said the addition of a second route re-establishe­d the link between the Castle Donington airport and Northern Ireland, which had been served by another airline up until March.

Dave Pflieger, Flybe’s chief executive, said: “We’re overjoyed to be starting flights from East Midlands Airport to Belfast.

“Our commitment will always be towards offering customers choice while providing the great value we’re known for, and we think this is a fantastic route to represent that.

“Connectivi­ty is a priority for us, which is what makes us proud to play a role in tying together these two iconic locations.

“The new route will be essential to our mission of becoming the number one choice for both regional flights in the UK and between the UK and EU.

“We’re confident that our flights from East Midlands to Belfast are yet another step towards the future we envision for Flybe.”

Clare James, East Midlands Airport managing director, said: “We are delighted that this popular

route is being well-served by Flybe. Direct connectivi­ty to Belfast is a boost for this region and the new route provides frequent and easy access to Northern Ireland for people who are visiting for leisure or business. It’s also great news for tourism in the East Midlands and we offer a very warm welcome to visitors who want to explore everything this region has to offer.”

An East Midlands Airport spokesman said: “The convenient flight times allow for easy access to Belfast and Northern Ireland, whether visiting for an overnight stay or for longer, and it’s ideal for both leisure and business travellers.

“With a flight time of just over 40 minutes, Belfast and Northern Ireland is a great place to explore.

“In the city itself, Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience, is a must-see and is just one of the many cultural escapes, scientific exhibition­s and literary-inspired attraction­s in the city.

“A short journey away from Belfast, the rugged Causeway Coastal Route – voted the Number 1 Region in the World to visit by Lonely Planet in 2018 – is a popular attraction for lovers of the outdoors and keen walkers.

“For Game of Thrones fans, there is no better place to visit. The popular TV series was filmed in Belfast and across Northern Ireland.

“The area’s rugged coastlines, historic castles and breathtaki­ng scenery provided the perfect backdrop. The Game of Thrones tour takes in famous filming locations.”

TOURISM BOOST AS ROUTE IS REINSTATED

 ?? GETTY GETTY ?? HISTORIC: Belfast City Hall, in the centre of the city
MAJOR ATTRACTION: Titanic Belfast
GETTY GETTY HISTORIC: Belfast City Hall, in the centre of the city MAJOR ATTRACTION: Titanic Belfast

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom