NI to be trans-atlantic flights hub

A NEW low-cost airline is set to offer transatlantic flights from Northern Ireland.

At present there are no direct flights operating between Belfast to North America.

Fly Atlantic is planning to start operating flights to Europe as well as North America from summer 2024.

The airline said it intends to operate to 35 destinations from Belfast, and will create 21,000 new jobs by 2030.

Fly Atlantic’s chief Andrew Pyne said they chose Belfast over strong competition across the UK.

He added: “Our vision is of Belfast as a strong aviation hub linking Europe and North America.

“The project can be a game-changer.”

Belfast International Airport MD Graham Keddie said the project would have “very real economic benefits for Northern Ireland’s economy and enhance our international connectivity”.

VISION Graham Keddie of Belfast International Airport, Fly Atlantic CEO Andrew Pyne, and Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Stephen Ross