Ryanair Returns to Belfast International Airport

Ryanair has announced that airline would resume its hub at Belfast International Airport in the summer of 2023.

More than 115 flights per week will be available on Ryanair’s 12 routes, with stops in Alicante, Faro, Girona, and Malaga among the destinations. Additionally, Ryanair will begin offering domestic flights to Manchester, Edinburgh, East Midlands, and Stansted.

It terminated services last year following a dispute over the airport’s lack of Covid incentives and its assertion that Air Passenger Duty rendered its domestic trips unprofitable.

Jason McGuinness, Ryanair’s commercial director, said: “We are delighted to have reached a long-term agreement with Belfast International’s management, which will underpin future Ryanair growth at the airport over the coming years.

“Today’s announcement, particularly our decision to launch close to 80 weekly domestic flights to/from East Midlands, Edinburgh, Stansted and Manchester demonstrates that lower aviation taxes and competitive airport charges are the catalyst for long-term traffic growth and increased connectivity.”

Dan Owens, Belfast International’s chief financial officer added: “This is a significant investment, bringing job creation and positive news for our passengers and the region. It increases the number of destinations now available from the airport to over 70 domestic and international destinations, offering more choice than ever for travellers.”