Eastern Airways (T3/EZE) has confirmed it is launching a new connection between Southampton Airport (SOU/EGHI) and Belfast International (BFS/EGAA) from the 9th of February next year.
A 72-seat ATR72 turboprop will operate the new daily route which will provide a connection to the UK’s south coast including Hampshire, Dorset and even an alternative to London (just 1 hour by train) from Belfast International.
Roger Hage, Commercial Director, Eastern Airways, said: “This is a major step in growing connectivity to the North of Ireland from our Southampton base. The recent reduction in operator capacity and choice from Belfast Airports and a growing network and ambition of Belfast International Airport offers an opportunity to meet the burgeoning demand for connecting the two nations, especially with such strong onward connectivity. This welcome addition to the domestic network at Southampton and Belfast International will aid those who travel for business, visit friends and family or seek a welcome city or leisure break.”
“Adding the new Northern Irish destination of Belfast International significantly improves critical connectivity between the UK’s regions. We continue to ensure the right services are being offered given Eastern Airways is all about supporting the regions of the UK, connecting people and places, so growing our English South-Coast hub network and capacity to a high-demand capital city in both directions is a crucial part of increasing connectivity and aiding economic recovery to both business and the UK’s vital tourism sector where sustainable.”
The connection to Belfast International is a first for Southampton Airport which welcomed the news with Matt Hazelwood, Chief Commercial Officer of AGS Airports Ltd, which owns Southampton Airport, saying: “Belfast is both a fantastic city break destination and the ideal base to explore Northern Ireland, so I’m sure our passengers will be keen to take full advantage of Eastern Airways’ new route when it launches in February.
“Equally, we look forward to welcoming those passengers from across the Irish Sea who are keen to visit Southampton and all the city and the wider region has to offer.”
Fares on the new route start at £59.99 one way.
Flight Times
| Departs | Arrives | Dep Time | Arr Time | Days |
| Southampton | Belfast Int. | 12:45 | 14:25 | M,Tu,W,Th,F,Su |
| Southampton | Belfast Int. | 07:30 | 09:10 | Sa |
| Belfast Int. | Southampton | 15:00 | 16:40 | M,Tu,W,Th,F,Su |
| Belfast Int. | Southampton | 09:45 | 11:25 | Sa |