Aer Lingus launch first of new services from Belfast Airport

Aer Lingus Regional has launched a new route from George Best Belfast City Airport to Edinburgh.

This service, operated by Stobart Air, will connect passengers from Northern Ireland to the Scottish capital up to three times daily, providing choice and convenience for passengers.

Edinburgh is the first of six new routes that Aer Lingus Regional will commence from Belfast City, with Birmingham, East Midlands, Exeter, Leeds Bradford and Manchester to follow in a phased approach, in line with passenger demand and Government guidance.

Katy Best, Commercial Director at Belfast City Airport, said:

“Edinburgh has always been a very popular route from Belfast City, and we are delighted Aer Lingus Regional has re-established this service since it was left vacant by Flybe.

“Like many industries, the aviation market has had a challenging 2020 in light of Covid-19. However, ensuring essential connectivity remains in place was a key priority for us and that is what we have achieved with Aer Lingus Regional.

“Having already enjoyed eight successful years with Aer Lingus on our London Heathrow service, we are looking forward to working with the airline again, in partnership with Stobart Air, to further grow and strengthen our route network.”

Commenting on the announcement, Stobart Air Managing Director Andy Jolly said:

“We are pleased to establish a base at Belfast City Airport and to work closely with Edinburgh Airport, Belfast City Airport and our partners Aer Lingus to operate flights to and from Belfast.

“Stobart Air has worked hard over the past number of months to protect our airline during challenging times and to position us for the future. The launch of this service from Belfast is part of that.

“This new Aer Lingus Regional route will facilitate key links and connectivity between Belfast and Edinburgh and will ensure we provide choice, value and convenience for our customers. We look forward to welcoming our passengers on board this new Belfast-Edinburgh route.”

The inaugural service was operated on an ATR72-600 aircraft, of which five are now based at Belfast City Airport and will be used to service these six new routes.

Choosing to fly with Aer Lingus Regional from Belfast City to Edinburgh, passengers will not only benefit from award-winning service, great value fares and convenient flight times but can also avail of the loyalty programme, AerClub, where Avios reward points can be collected and redeemed against future Aer Lingus flights, purchases or products.

Stobart Air, following guidance from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), has implemented a number of enhanced health and safety measures to protect staff, crew and passengers.

These include enhanced aircraft cleaning, mandatory face coverings/masks on all flights with the exception of children under the age of six and those who are unable to wear a face mask for medical reasons as well as boarding and disembarking in small groups.

Enhanced sanitisation and social distancing are also in place at Belfast City Airport where face coverings/masks are also mandatory. Guidance for passengers can be viewed at belfastcityairport.com

For more information and to book flights from Belfast City Airport to Birmingham, Edinburgh, East Midlands, Exeter, Leeds Bradford or Manchester, visit www.aerlingus.com