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Former Flybe Cardiff-Belfast air link to be restored

A former Flybe air link between Wales and Northern Ireland is to be restored in the new year.

Eastern Airways is to introduce its first service from Cardiff to Belfast City airport from January 11.

Flights on the route flown by Flybe until its collapse in March will run six days a week as the only air service linking Wales with the entire island of Ireland. Fares start at £79.99 one-way.

The airline also aims to restart a route from Cardiff to Anglesey with Welsh government financial backing.

Eastern Airways commercial and operations general manager Roger Hage said: “The introduction of a Belfast City service from Cardiff is one so many have been asking for so connectivity between Wales and Northern Ireland is in place as the appetite for travel increases.”

Cardiff airport interim chief executive Spencer Birns added: “Today’s announcement is a hugely positive step and we are delighted that Eastern Airways has stepped in to re-instate a regular service between Cardiff and Belfast, offering vital connectivity between Wales and Northern Ireland.

“Belfast has been one of our most in-demand routes since Flybe entered administration for both customers travelling for work or to visit friends and family.”

Belfast City airport commercial director Katy Best said: “The popular route to Cardiff was previously operated by Flybe before the airline entered into administration in March 2020, and there has been huge demand since for it to be reinstated.

“Despite the challenging aviation environment of recent months, we continued exploring options to secure connectivity with the Welsh capital, and we’re very happy that our partner Eastern Airways has committed to this service.”

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