BIA welcomes Ryanair move on Gatwick

News that Ryanair intends to increase its frequency from four to five daily on its new Belfast International-Gatwick service is a positive development, Belfast International Airport has claimed.

Commenting on the airline’s plans to increase frequency before the service commences later next month, a spokesman for BIA said: “Ryanair’s replacement of Aer Lingus on the Gatwick route will mean almost 4,000 seats on business days to and from Belfast International Airport.

“This means that Gatwick is the main London airport for Northern Ireland, easily eclipsing the daily capacity offered on Heathrow.”

The range of available flights means the International will offer “unrivalled flexibility for business passengers” with the last flight touching down at 11.15pm -two hours after the last Heathrow arrival.

“Even before the airline formally launches its new Northern Ireland base at the International, the airline is focusing on a growth strategy.

“Ryanair will shortly unveil the other Belfast International routes to be operated from the autumn. Already, it’s clear that Ryanair’s passenger growth forecasts will need to be revised upwards, and that is good for the airport and the wider Northern Ireland economy.