Eastern Airways, the UK's regional airline today launched the first service between Cardiff Airport and Belfast City Airport, as Wales regained its air service connection to Northern Ireland, the only current air service linking the entire island of Ireland with Wales.

With fares on the new route starting from £62.99 one-way, including a complimentary 15kg hold bag and all taxes and charges, flights are available to book at www.easternairways.com

Roger Hage, General Manager, Eastern Airways, said: "As the UK's regional airline already serving all four home nations, connecting Belfast to Cardiff as passenger confidence returns is critical to supporting the tourism and business sectors and helping people unite with families again.

"Eastern Airways is all about supporting the regions of the UK, connecting people and places, so adding further services at hubs we already serve is another crucial part in the economic recovery and prosperity of Wales and the Island of Ireland."

Spencer Birns, CEO at Cardiff Airport said: "We're delighted to once again be able to offer our passengers a vital connection to Belfast City from Cardiff, starting today.

"The route has been one of our most in-demand since the collapse of Flybe last year and is an important connection for customers travelling for business and to visit friends and relatives. We are pleased that Eastern Airways has re-instated the service and I'd like to thank the airline for their continued confidence in regional connectivity from Cardiff."

Commenting on today's inaugural flight, Katy Best, Commercial Director at Belfast City Airport, said: "The return of a route to Cardiff is welcome news for both the Airport and those wishing to reconnect with business, family, and friends in Wales.

"Belfast City Airport is the only airport on the island of Ireland to provide connectivity with Wales and we're delighted that our airline partner, Eastern Airways, has committed to this service.

"Today's flight marks the beginning of a busy period for the Airport, with a number of new routes taking off in the coming weeks. We're seeing an increase in demand for travel, and it's fantastic to offer these options to our passengers."

Eastern Airways' services continue to be carefully reintroduced as Covid-19 restrictions are eased, with extensive cleaning measures on-board and throughout all aspects of the airport for the safety of all passengers. Eastern Airways already offer a service from Belfast to Southampton, while in September aligned to Welsh Government easing of domestic restrictions Eastern Airways will restart the route from Cardiff to Anglesey.

The airline also this week added the Mediterranean British overseas territory of Gibraltar as an international green list destination from both Birmingham and Southampton Airport's expanding the network of destinations offered.

Eastern Airways network also includes Aberdeen, Anglesey, Belfast, Cardiff, Dublin, Gibraltar, Humberside, Jersey, Leeds-Bradford, Manchester, Nantes, Newquay, Rennes, Southampton, Sumburgh and Teesside among scheduled destinations.