Ryanair to reopen Belfast International base from summer 2023

Ryanair has announced it will reopen its Belfast International Airport base from summer 2023. It will start with 12 routes, operating over 115 weekly flights, including Alicante, Faro, Barcelona-Girona and Malaga. Ryanair will also launch domestic services to East Midlands, Edinburgh, London Stansted and Manchester.

Ryanair has announced it will reopen its Belfast International Airport base from summer 2023. It will start with 12 routes, operating over 115 weekly flights, including destinations such as Alicante, Faro, Barcelona-Girona and Malaga. Ryanair will also launch domestic services to East Midlands, Edinburgh, London Stansted and Manchester.

Ryanair’s Belfast International-based fleet will comprise two aircraft, representing a $200 million investment and over 60 aviation jobs at Belfast International Airport and over 650 indirect jobs.

“At a time when other airlines are cutting their schedules and reducing their workforce, we are delighted to announce a new Ryanair base at Belfast International Airport with 12 exciting routes and two based aircraft representing an investment of $200 million at Belfast International and the creation of over 800 direct/indirect jobs,” said Jason McGuinness, Director of Commercial, Ryanair. “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, London 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, Chief Financial Officer, Belfast International Airport, commented: “We welcome back Ryanair to Belfast International Airport. The airport plays a pivotal role and is a key asset in aviation and tourism recovery after a challenging couple of years. 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. The new base at Belfast International reflects VINCI Airports’ commitment to Northern Ireland. Improving connectivity for the region is key for the aviation sector and economic growth. VINCI Airports and Ryanair have a strong partnership and Belfast now brings the total of bases across our European network to six.”