Regional air link from Yorkshire to Belfast takes off
Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Stobart Air, has today – 1 October – marked the beginning of its new route from Leeds Bradford to Belfast.
Beginning today, the airline will operate up to three daily return flights from Leeds Bradford Airport to Belfast City Airport with fares starting from £34.99 one way including taxes.
Stobart Air, operator of Aer Lingus Regional, will base five ATR72-600 aircraft at Belfast City Airport. Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Stobart Air, operates two routes from Leeds Bradford including Dublin and now Belfast City.
Following guidance from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stobart Air has implemented a number of enhanced health and safety measures to protect staff, crew and passengers.
These include enhanced aircraft cleaning, mandatory face coverings on all flights with the exception of small children and those who are unable to wear a face mask for medical reasons and new boarding and disembarkation procedures to reduce passenger interaction.
John Cunliffe, aviation & commercial director at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “We are delighted to welcome the inaugural service with Aer Lingus Regional to Belfast City Airport.
“The connection between the two great cities of Leeds and Belfast is an important one for all travellers, simultaneously providing a reliable day return product for passengers and supporting access to the breadth of tourism opportunities available both in Yorkshire and Northern Ireland.”
Stobart air managing director, Andy Jolly, said: “We are pleased to establish a base at Belfast City Airport and to work closely with Leeds Bradford Airport, Belfast City Airport and our partners Aer Lingus to operate flights to and from Leeds Bradford.
“Stobart Air has worked hard over the past number of months to protect our airline during challenging times and to position us for the future. The launch of this service is part of that.
“This new Aer Lingus Regional route will facilitate key links and connectivity between these cities and ensure we provide choice, value and convenience for our customers.
“We look forward to welcoming our passengers on board this Leeds Bradford-Belfast route from today.”
