Belfast flights to Southampton and Teesside to resume

The regional airline will restart flights to Southampton and Teeside on June 22.

Frequency of service will be increased as appropriate through July, August and September to help restore the business and leisure connections to help the Northern Ireland economic recovery.

Following the demise of Flybe, Eastern Airways stepped in to protect regional connectivity to Southampton to add to Teesside on an expanding network prior to the Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Roger Hage, Eastern Airways’ General Manager, said: “We are pleased to announce that our initial Belfast City Airport flights are returning from June 22 with a carefully considered re-start frequency to support the major regions of the UK and ensure regional connectivity returns given its vital role in recovering economic prosperity.

“We will continue to increase frequency including the return of weekend services as demand returns along with adding new routes to our network. All services will ensure the safest procedures for our customer care are offered in conjunction with our airport partners.”

Katy Best, Commercial Director at Belfast City Airport, said: “The wellbeing of our staff and passengers is of paramount importance and measures are in place throughout the terminal to enable social distancing with signage visible throughout the airport.

“Staff have also been deployed to maintain the sanitisation of the terminal throughout the day. Passengers who have to travel can therefore be assured their journey through the airport will be socially distanced and that hand washing and sanitising units are available in all public areas.

 “The airport continues to follow all relevant directives for airports and is consistently reviewing the measures in place as we prepare for activity levels to increase in the coming weeks.”