Aer Lingus to start seasonal flights between Belfast and Jersey

Aer Lingus has announced they will run regular direct flights between Jersey and Belfast City Airport next summer.

6,000 passengers will be able to travel on the twice-weekly route.

It will mark the first time there have been regular air links between the Channel Islands and Belfast City Airport since 2013 - although EasyJet does already operate services to Belfast International.

Earlier this year, Blue Islands had to divert its planned Dublin flights to the city and arrange onward travel by bus due to a licensing issue.

The new Aer Lingus regional flights will run on Wednesdays and Saturdays starting on 6 May 2023. The airline is also starting a new route between Belfast and Newquay.

Ciarán Smith from Emerald Airlines, which operates Aer Lingus' regional services, explained: "We anticipate these new routes to be popular amongst those travelling for both business and leisure purposes, and we look forward to providing that increased connectivity to and from Belfast."

Ports of Jersey Chief Executive Matt Thomas welcomed the news: "It is a great vote of confidence in our future that airlines are offering new routes and improving our connectivity.

"We already have a successful link with Dublin, and this route will strengthen our connections and expand travel options for both islanders and visitors."

Jersey's Economic Development Minister, Deputy Kirsten Morel, says Aer Lingus's announcement is "a great sign of confidence in Jersey as a destination".