Emerald Airlines lines up Southampton route

The move sees the group expand its operations at the airport, which already serves Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Glasgow, Exeter and Manchester.

Ciarán Smith, head of commercial at Emerald Airlines, said: "As we near the peak summer months, the launch of our Cardiff and Southampton services will provide those travelling from Belfast with more choice when planning their holidays.

"We are extremely pleased with the feedback we have received since beginning our operations from Belfast City Airport and believe Cardiff and Southampton are great new connections that will cater to both business and leisure travellers with direct, convenient and cost-effective flights from Belfast.

"In addition, we will continue to add more routes and increase frequencies over the coming months."

Ellie McGimpsey, aviation development manager at Belfast City Airport, added: "Aer Lingus Regional's base at Belfast City Airport has been operational for just over three months and we are thrilled to already see expansion in both the number of routes served by the airline and the frequency of its services.

"With the addition of Cardiff and Southampton, Aer Lingus Regional will now operate routes to eight of the 21 destinations Belfast City Airport will fly to this summer."

Source: Insider Media Limited