Airline Launches New Belfast - Barcelona Service

Belfast City Airport has announced that European airline Vueling is to commence a twice weekly service to Barcelona in May 2015.

The airline is part of International Airlines Group (IAG) and plans to introduce a number of new routes at Belfast City.

Brian Ambrose, Chief Executive of Belfast City Airport, said: "It remains our aim to attract new airlines to Northern Ireland and facilitate more direct European routes from Belfast. We are therefore delighted that Vueling has chosen to include Belfast City Airport as one of a select few UK airports in its plans to expand its network.

"The hugely popular European airline, which carries a high percentage of business travellers, has an extensive network with over 100 destinations across Europe including Paris, Brussels, Rome, Madrid and has a growing presence in Russia, North Africa and Scandinavia."

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: "Today’s announcement by Vueling is good news for tourism to Northern Ireland. We look forward to co-operating with Vueling to maximise the promotion of this new service from Barcelona. As an island, the importance of convenient, direct, non-stop flights cannot be overstated – they are absolutely critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism.

"Tourism Ireland is committed to working with Vueling, Belfast City Airport and other tourism interests, through co-operative marketing, to drive demand for this new service – as we work with other carriers and partners to promote and help maintain vital routes and services to Northern Ireland."

(IT/CD)