Jet 2 confirms new direct routes from Belfast International

The move will see the creation of around 30 new jobs, mostly in flight deck and cabin crew positions, it was also announced earlier this afternoon.

The new routes which are exclusive to the local hub are: Antalya (Turkey), Madeira, Crete, Costa de Almeria, Naples, and Paphos.

In addition, routes to Malta and Rhodes have also been scheduled for next summer, bringing the total number of destinations which the airline will operate by that stage to 22.

The number of seats is also expected to jump to more than 400,000 next year.

Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy described it as the airline’s “biggest ever summer programme from Belfast International”, and said they had made a “huge investment” in the city.

He added: “Such sustained growth is only possible by looking after customers, which shows that our continued investment into offering real package holidays and family friendly flights is working.”

Graham Keddie, Belfast International Airport managing director, said: “Coming on the back of hosting the Routes Europe event in Belfast, we are thrilled that Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are increasing their range of destinations at Belfast International Airport.

“This 39 per cent increase in capacity not only brings the total number of routes served by Jet2.com to 22, but will also mean a jobs boost for the local economy with the addition of a fourth based aircraft. Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are clearly responding to customer demand for services to popular holiday destinations at affordable prices.”

Visit www.jet2holidays.com for more information.