Cardiff to Belfast flights restored after six months

FLIGHTS between Cardiff Airport and Belfast are to resume six months after the service was suspended.

The route was restored in May 2021 after being left vacant by the collapse of Flybe the previous year but it was announced in January this year that it was being suspended.

The route was paused until early March but this was later extended until June 5.

At the time, operator Eastern Airways, which had reintroduced the direct service with fares starting at less than £70, told passengers demand for the route “had not returned to the level we expected in order to maintain a financially sustainable service”.

During this time those wanting to travel between Wales and Northern Ireland were unable to fly directly.

However, flights between the two capital cities are now set to resume, with Cardiff Airport announcing that Emerald Airlines, the exclusive Aer Lingus regional operator, will restore the domestic service.

The operator will run flights five days a week from July 7 with fares starting at £39.99.

Flights will leave Cardiff for Belfast at noon on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The return journey from Belfast to Cardiff departs at 10.10am on the same days.

Emerald Airlines opened its base at Belfast City Airport – located five minutes from the city centre – earlier this year.

As well as servicing Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Exeter, Manchester and Leeds Bradford, the operator has also announced it will run new routes from Southampton and Cardiff.

When the route was initially restored in 2021, Cardiff Airport CEO Spencer Birns said he was “delighted” to see the route reintroduced, adding that it was “an important connection for customers”.

Cardiff Airport aviation development manager Marc Watkins said: “Thanks a million to Emerald Airlines for announcing that it will restart the critical connection between Cardiff and Belfast under the Aer Lingus banner.

“It’s great that our customers looking to fly between Wales and Northern Ireland no longer have to travel via England.”

Ciaran Smith, head of commercial at Emerald Airlines, added: “As we near the peak summer months, the launch of our Cardiff services will provide those travelling to Belfast with more choice when planning their holidays.

“When quick getaways are on the top of everyone’s mind, we are offering convenient timings and low fares, increasing connectivity to and from Northern Ireland.”