FLIGHTS between Jersey and Belfast City have begun operating, as Aer Lingus launches a new summer service with its regional carrier.
The airline already operates flights between Jersey and Dublin, but this marks its first direct connection between the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland since 2013.
On 6 May, the first flight, operated by Emerald Airlines on behalf of Aer Lingus Regional, took off from Jersey Airport.
The twice-weekly service will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer, offering an estimated 6,000 seats.
When the route was announced in October 2022, Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said the news was a ‘sign of confidence in Jersey as an attractive destination’.
He added: ‘This new air link will provide great holiday opportunities in both directions and will enable Island businesses to explore new opportunities.’
Ports of Jersey’s chief executive, Matt Thomas, also said at the time: ‘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.’
Belfast is the latest in a series of new destinations now accessible directly from Jersey Airport.
Recently, easyJet began operating direct flights from Jersey to Amsterdam and it was reported yesterday that London Southend Airport bosses were in ‘detailed discussions’ about the return of a route between the Channel Islands and East London.
Jersey has been adding to its routes as part of a post-pandemic bounceback, with passenger demand and footfall rising faster than similar-sized UK airports.
